Part I

A Time Line to the Future: Michael Edward Bennett

• (Note: All entry’s on this timeline were selected and sourced from the Pensacola News Journal (PNJ) and its predecessors and are summaries of actual published articles in the style and language of the time with date and page number for further review by the reader for purposes of obtaining more information relative to the entered summary news story here as published on that date for the most part. Some summary was needed to conserve space Research focused on the terms of “Pensacola Beach” ,“Navarre” “Santa Rosa Island”, “Escambia & Santa Rosa County’s. (Michael Edward Bennett; bennett6520@yahoo.com)

Building A Bridge to Sand Castles on Santa Rosa Island

“The Past makes the Presence Possible and a Better Future Probable”

(Smithsonian painting of Seminole family on Santa Rosa Island, near Pensacola, 1834-25 by George Catlin)

2 24 June 1882 (Pensacola Commercial p – 3) ———- We are grateful at being able to announce D. F. Sullivan, Esq. has determined to erect on his lot at the corner of Government and Jefferson streets, a Grand Opera house. The structure is to front 100 feet on Government & 120 feet on Jefferson. It is to be of a grand fashion as of the Academy of Music building in New Orleans, which is the Renaissance style of architecture. It is estimated to cost $50,000 and the ground floor is divided into stores and offices. The pitch of the roof will be at 60 feet and the entire space will be an auditorium with two galleries and private boxes. (Pensacola square 1885)

1 Dec 1882 (Pensacola Commercial p-3) ———— We venture the assertion that there is not a city, town, or village in the union whose streets are so poorly lit as in Pensacola. Why is it that citizens returning to their way as best they can over a rough, uneven and rotten plank-walkway with no light to guide them? Just think of a city with 8,000 inhabitants unable to have a few lamps along the streets to direct the stranger or guide the citizen! The reason for this is that the present municipal government is incompetent for the proper guardianship of the city’s interest and lack of public confidence.

23 Jan 1883 (Commercial Appeal p – 3) ———- Business men of Pensacola, with the completion of the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad in the near future, it behooves the businessmen of Pensacola to bestir themselves, and use all legitimate means to secure the rich trade which this line opens up. Don’t let this trade pass Pensacola. Offer inducements that will stop here, where it rightfully belongs. Send out linemen- drummers, agents, and whatever you choose to call them- present the advantages of our fair city. Pensacola P & A Railroad station

6 Feb 1883 (Pensacola Commercial p – 3) ——— In Santa Rosa County and the people there are many who still fail to fully appreciate the great convenience of the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad; but those heretofore will still be compelled to travel from the city to Milton previously by steamer, of which such voyage was seldom accomplished in under three hours and often in the most tempestuous weather, can readily estimate the value of the recent acquisition. Boarding the train Tuesday; we were whisked along the picturesque Escambia Bay and landed in the neighboring burg in less than one hour.

• Knowing that Pensacola has long felt the need of a first class high school, several citizens have erected a building, regardless of expense, of two rooms with wide folding doors, between; one for boys, the other for girls. The play grounds are also separated by a high fence. Rev. Park has selected Mr. C. V. Thompson of West Tennessee as the master school teacher.

26 Nov 1884 (Pensacola Commercial p-3) ———- The British ship, Telecon, is now at the wharf receiving cargo of 4000 bales of cotton set for Liverpool. The schooner, Mary A. Kellen has set sail from the port with a similar load. Another large Liverpool vessel is scheduled to land in early December. The compress is busy all day and the outlook is better than ever for Pensacola to be permanent port for cotton. (Pensacola- Cotton sorting on the wharf 1905)

17 Dec 1884 (Pensacola Commercial p-2)———- The report of the Secretary of the Navy recommends that the Pensacola Navy Yard be retained for naval purposes. We look for a lively and stirring time at the Pensacola Navy Yard before the year passes. The development of the Alabama coal and iron mines will generate shipments to our port. We can expect to see first class steel clad and other war vessels of every class constructed and put afloat in Pensacola Bay as a result.

20 June 1885 (The Pensacolian) P-4 ———– “In the language of the poet, here we are, still in and about the city and neighborhoods of Pensacola spending a large part of our time at Santa Rosa Park, ten miles from the city, where there were good accommodations for bathing, boating and fishing, all healthful exercise for the invalid, amid the most beautiful scenery in nature that I have ever held in all my rambling on this continent.

As interminable in my last rambling, we stopped four days on our way down at Pensacola, in company with our young friend Mr. W. M. Blackford, who was much interested and delighted with the city and Bay of Pensacola and the many interesting objects in the neighborhood, such as the Navy Yard, Military barracks and parade grounds, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens and McRae, the Light House and last but not least, Uncle Sam’s boys in blue. On the last of our arrival we had the pleasure of seeing a military company at drill on the parade field. They had four large bond fires burning brilliantly on the four corners of the square, and there, with street lamps illuminated and casting a brilliant light upon the scene, which was a delightful display to hold. On March 20^th, we took passage on the steamer Sorento, for a trip down the bay. The day was fine, the sun shone out in the glorious splendor, all the soft breezes fanning in off the Gulf of Mexico, made us fell that it was good to be here. The first stop was made at the Navy Yard, eight miles down the bay from Pensacola. West of the navy yard is Fort Barranca’s. Both are beautiful and full of interest to sightseers. Here is the grand exposition where almost everything can be seen pertaining to war. Thousands of balls and shells, painted and staked upon each other in great pyramids, hundreds of cannons, in caliber from 200 pound parrots down to 6 inch pounders; rifle guns, great buildings and docks, which cost the government millions of dollars, all of which we were permissible to look at and examen by cautious officers of the garrison.

Having done the Navy Yard, and once more on board, the Sorento blew her whistle and at command, “Let GO the Head Line!”! Thence, we are off to Santa Rosa island, where in a short time we find Fort Pickens; that grand and historic old edifice, though denuded of a portion of the iron dogs of war that used the bay, not a deep mouthed welcome home but roared of defiance. Fort Pickens was the only fort on the southern sea coast, which was held throughout the Civil War by the federal forces. It stands on the west end of Santa Rosa island. The island is 40 miles long and varies in breadth from a fourth of mile to over one mile across.

Santa Rosa Park, where we are now stopping, is situated on the peninsula, between the sound and the Bay of Pensacola and is within two miles and a-half of the Gulf of Mexico. It has become a prominent watering place. Most of the residents are Chicago people of wealth and leisure. One is from Rochester, New York, three are from Pennsylvania, seven are from Chicago and three are from Scotland. Mr. Walter Rutherford, the pioneer, is a Scotsman who was attached here by the beauty of the place and pleasant climate, some five years ago. Judge Bowers of Bainbridge, Georgia recently purchased a lot facing the sound and is letting out the contract for a $3000 residence, to resort occasionally as he needs a change of air and sunshine. The waters literally swarm with fish and oysters- black bass and pike, red snapper, trout, Spanish Mackerel, millet, pompano and the choicest oysters. Garden vegetables do well here of all kinds, both summer and winter. Grapes, figs and peaches I am informed that a species of summer and fall apples do well here also. They have as yet not done much with oranges, but it is believed they will do well here also. A few young trees are to be seen in bloom. Huckle berries, dew berries, black berries, etc. grow in great profusion. Lovely parks are shaded by Live Oaks, Magnolia’s, and the bay has the choicest shrubbery. The sunset comes with spender and the glory unknown to most northern climates. As the ever moving waves roll, with permeated and ever varying emerald colors upon a snow white sand, one feels the supremacy of the almighty and littleness of man.

As ever yours, William Carothers^{” (Note: location of Santa Rosa Park in Section 28 on bottom left corner of map with small circle below a of Pensacola Bay name I where large hotel resort and about 20 cabins were located. Also had a post office there Note location as sub-division where resort was located on Nations first Road from St Augustine Pensacola and on to Tallahassee. AKA: Old Spanish Trail. just east of Live Oak Reservation Nation Park. See 1935 Florida Historic Journal )}

29 Jan 1886 (The Pensacolian p-3) ———— The White Ribbon Social Club of the W.C.T.U. have chartered the tug, Helen, and will give an excursion over the Bay on Thursday, the 30^th. The boat will leave Palafox wharf at 9:30 am and go to the sound to give everyone an opportunity to gather shells on the beach of Santa Rosa Island. The ladies will furnish refreshments on the boat, consisting of chowder, sandwich’s, cake and coffee. All are assured of a pleasant trip. Cost $0.35 cents per person.

22 Dec 1986 (Pensacola Commercial p-7)————- The progress of Pensacola has been surprising and gives bright promise of her great and better future. At the close of the Civil War, the population of Pensacola was not more than 1500. In 1870 in increased to 3750; in 1880 to 6700 and now in 1886 its estimated at 12,000. The people fully recognize the advantages of the port and fine harbor. It may be said with truth that Pensacola has the finest harbor on the gulf of Mexico. The present depth over the bar is 26 feet but recent surveys by the U>S. Engineering Department has demonstrated it can go to a much greater depth. The U.S. has spent $6 million on the Naval Yard. With the Pensacola & Memphis railroad line completed it will serve as a direct line to the center of the souths cotton fields and give opportunity to a deep water port.

23 April 1887 (The Pensacolian p-1) ———– Proclamation by the Board of Health, County of Escambia: Be it resolved that from the 15^th day of May 1987 until the 15^th day of November 1887, no vessel which may have been between these dates at ports and places where Yello fever or other malignant diseases actually appeared, shall be permitted to discharge ballast or cargo in the Bay of Pensacola. No person boat or goods from such vessel arriving in the harbor of Pensacola between those dates shall be permitted tom leave or be removed from the vessel. The quarantine Station shall be or Santa Rosa island, just west of Little Sabine inlet.

16 July 1887 (The Pensacolian p-5) A Pensacolian representive visited Santa Rosa Island and enjoyed a bath in the waters of the Gulf and took the time to inspect the Life Saving Station. Recently, there is a growing number of pleasure seekers whom are yielding to the temptation of taking a plunge into the white-capped billows and some are predicting that the day is not that far off when Santa Rosa island will become the Coney Island of the South. All it will take is for some investment to make a popular resort with ample accommodations and cheap transportation.1

1887 The Florida Sentinel——– 1887 to 1907? First Pensacola African-American newspaper M.M Lewey publisher & family. M. M. Lewey, editor, Bessie K. Lewey, Irene Lewey & John F Lewey.

14 Jan 1888 (The Pensacolian p-1) ———- Florida legislature approved a new Road and Highway law that requires all able bodied males over the age of 18 and under the age of 45 and residents of said county shall be liable and subject to work on the public roads and highways of such counties. Ministers exempted.

14 Dec 1988 (Pensacolian p-5) ————– The introduction of electric light marks another era in Pensacola’s progress. Within the last six years, Pensacola has astonished the natives by establishing the gas works, water works, street cars, railroads, an elegant opera House, a splendid school house, the best jail in Florida, a handsome custom house, an elegant hotel and modern resident housing being built every year. The electric light works will turn the lights on for the first time to-night.

28 Aug 1889 (the Pensacola News p-4) ———— The wool growers of Santa Rosa County are probability the most independent of their class in the state of Floridia. They are all pretty well fixed and do not have to sell their product. There was at least 50,000 pounds of the article from the last shearing.

6 Nov 1889 (The Pensacolian p-4) ———– Over the last years with the increased vessels arriving has increased considerable. Its estimated that some 700 vessels carried timber and lumber between November 1888 and November 1889 worth $1,7 million with 350 million feet of timber and lumber alone.

19 May 1889 (The Pensacola news p-4) ————- An agent of the Simpson Company, the builders of the finest dry docks to be found in the U.S. will soon reach the city and visit the Bohemia area for the possibilities relative to the successful establishment at the point of constructing a naval dry dock. Mr. P.A. walker, who is charge of the U.S. coastal engineers for 30 years will survey the area between Gull Point and Gaborone and would require a dredged canal of four & a-half miles from the deep water to the shore he says.

23 Jan 1890 (The Pensacola News p-4)————- Florida Postmasters appointed as follows: J. Clausen, at Santa Rosa Park, Santa Rosa County as D. R. Stewart resigned.

1 April 1890 (Pensacola News p-4) ————– Mr. Wm. Carothers of Santa Rosa Park, now quite famous as a winter residence from Grayville, Illinois says, “The site is beautiful and rolling landscape with an elevation about eighty feet above the level of the Gulf of Mexico. Looking southward, we see across the sound and island far out over the Gulf and beyond. Looking southward we can see across the sound and see the island far out over the Gulf beyond. Steam and sea vessels of sail could be seen. On the sound we see almost every species of craft, from small sail to large sloops; steamers towing barges with great louds of lumber and rafts of logs of gigantic proportion. On the bay side looking north, we see Pensacola in the distance with its shipping harbor with 100 vessels present and a multitude of smaller craft. Skirting up along the bay to the NE side is the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad, with trains readily observed on a clear day and heard at times when the Gulf is calm. Perpetual sunshine almost throughout May. The luxuries we have are oysters and fish; such garden vegetables as lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, and other condiments too numerous to mention.”

14 June 1892 (The Pensacola News) ———— Dr. Walter Rutherford, a former known resident of Pensacola, but lately a resident of Santa Rosa Park across the bay, died in this city Saturday at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Benito Caro, corner of Florida Blanca and La Rua Streets. He was buried Sunday at Santa Rosa Park.

31 Dec 1893 (The Pensacola News) ———— For Sale: A fine winter and summer resort at Santa Rosa Park, 160 acres frontage, 800 feet on Santa Rosa Park and Pensacola Bay. It has 12 rooms in the house. It is furnished and has a four room house partly furnished, sail boat, row boat and large seine, cows and chickens, etc. It has a 35 foot Naphtha Launch almost new. All will be sold. Apply to Thos C Watson, Real Estate Headquarters.

• Everything is ready for tomorrow big football game between Memphis and Pensacola. The grounds have been put in order. The gridiron was finished yesterday under the supervision of Vice Captain, C. H. Woodington. The Merchants Hotel will be the headquarters for the Memphis team. The Memphis Amateur Association has a large membership on which to draw upon. The Pensacola players are as follows: Left End – J. E. Maxwell, 160 pounds; Left Tackle- G. H. McManus, 145 pounds; Centre – E. H. Skinner, 200 pounds; Right Guard – L. E. Thompson, 172 pounds; Right Tackle – J. M. Maldon, 140pounds; Quarterback – Knowles Hyer, 135 pounds; Left Halfback – R. A. French, 158 pounds; and Fullback – S. M. Cross, Captain, 175 pounds

17 Feb 1984 (Pensacola News P-2) Telephone 118 ———– Among the visitors here are E. Geisler and wife, G. Henrik’s & wife, Otto Clausen, wife & child, all of Davenport, Iowa. They are all pleasantly domiciled at the Santa Rosa Park. Mr. J Clausen’s charming hotel across the bay.

24 Feb 1898 (The Pensacola News p-2) ———– Several years ago the government recognized the importance of Pensacola as a Gulf port and every citizen must remember the many months last year when hundreds of men were employed night and day in the construction of the magnificent battery for the huge disappearing guns on Santa Rosa Island. This battery is now complete and three 10 inch disappearing guns are now in position. The fourth gun carriage is now being placed and in a short time the battery of mortars on Santa Rosa Island will also be ready.

25 Feb 1899 (The Pensacola News p-2) Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Annual Report – Thos C. Watson: Over the last four years our exports have doubled since 1895 to $10 million. The principle items of export being 166,000 bales of cotton, 10,000 pounds of tobacco, 1.2 million bushels of grain, 64,000 barrels of flour, 55,000 tons of pig iron, 69,000 tons of phosphate rock, 2.4 million pounds of lard and tallow, 470,000 pounds of rosin and turpentine, 441,000 staves, and 300 million feet of timber and lumber. Those commodities were carried on 498 ships of steam and sail to Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, south Africa, Japan, and the West indies as well as US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico ports. (Pensacola Custom House)

A new grain elevator that cost $150,000 dollars holds 500,000 bushels of grain. In 1898, 100 new dwellings were erected in the city. In the harbor a 25 foot channel is in place and has a depth of 33 feet. U.S. engineers installed four disappearing 10 inch guns. The Naval yard is making preparations for a 500 foot dry dock and the electric light plant has been brought on line. Our public schools have increased from 554 students in 1897 to 676 in 1898 and with the expansion of the rail road’s, Pensacola will become the “Queen City of the Gulf.”

3 Jan 1900 (The Pensacola News p-4) ————– There is no more important question recently that’s affecting this port and it’s commercial supremacy of this city and that is the discharge of ballast and rubbish from these ships into our bay.

26 Feb 1901 (Pensacola News p-4) ————– Twenty-one years of March weather in Pensacola, courtesy of Ron E. Pollock who furnished a compilation of data covering 21 years in Pensacola. The mean temp 60 degrees; warmest March 1897 with average of 66 degrees; coldest March was 1885 with average of 55; highest temp was 83 degrees on March 29, 1884; lowest temp was 25 degrees on March 2, 1890; average date for last “killing frost” was March 8; average first killing frost was Dec 3; average precipitation for March was 5.51 inches; greatest monthly precipitation in March was 13.37 inches in 1886 and least precipitation was 2.25 inches in 1887.

11 July 1903 The Pensacola News p-3) ————- Ranked fifth in point of depth of eastern ports and first in Gulf ports, with 5000 miles of Louisville & Nashville controlled railroad feeders pouring in products of the middle south, the future of Pensacola commands an unparallel strategic command. Of importance by example is the exportation of Yellow pine timber as representive of the industry is the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company at Century, two miles from Flomaton.

9 March 1904 (The Pensacolian News p-6) ———- Mr. J. J. McCaskill has of late been investing rather heavily in Pensacola property, but the latest purchase is more than ordinary in importance to the city for he contemplates erecting a modern hotel on the spot. The deal takes in lot of 144 X 192 feet that presently is occupied by an old public school on east Garden street for the price of $10,000. The school board in turn has closed a deal on a larger lot on east Greory street, directly west of the Frater residence on the NW corner of Cevallos and Gregory streets for the sum of $4000 and this leaves the board with $6000 to build a new school.

18 April 1905 (Pensacola Journal p-2) ———- Pensacola is alive now with sailors and foreigners from across the globe. The North Atlantic fleet is now lying in harbor in Pensacola and some 10,000 to 15,000 stranger from all lands in port. All up and down Palafox Street we can see seaman and marines black and white from China, Japan, Irishman, Germans, Italians, swedes and Scandinavians and more that are all strapping young men.

27 May 1905 (Pensacola Journal p-5) ——— The party of Ed Dunham, Joe Fish and Dr. Fordham at the Life Saving Station on Santa Rosa Island caught what must be the largest sea turtle ever seen in this city. While on the beach at night the Life Saving crew reported a huge turtle near the station. In short order they found the turtle laying eggs on nth beach. The turtle weighted over a 1000 pounds. They secured it with block and tackle and place it on the wharf. The turtle will be killed and the meat divided up between the three.

7 October 1906 (Pensacola Journal p-9) ———– The Pensacola Journal published a “House Warming edition” yesterday in celebration of the occupation of its elegant new building with editor Frank L. Mayes publishing this special edition. Frank Mayes took hold of the Journal several years ago with a payroll of $75 per week and a circulation of 600 inn 1899. Now the payroll is $500 week and the circulation is 5860 per week. The House Warming edition has six sections and is 48 pages of interesting reading and advertisements that benefit the citizens of Pensacola and the surrounding area. He says the Journal is committed to “Push, Progress and Prosperity”. One of the most attractive illustrations of the new Pensacola Journal’s building is the half of one hundred employees standing in front if it. Sam Russ is making the editorial columns of the Pensacola Journal “sparkle like a diamond” says the Tampa Tribune.

16 Dec 1906 (Pensacola Journal p-35) ———- Prof. J. B. Lockley, principle of Pensacola High School writes in part, “About a year ago the board of public instruction, finding school No. 1 inadequate to accommodate both high school and grammar school determined upon the erection of a new high school building. First it was determined that it should be near the center of the white population as much as possible and it should have enough ground to allow for the future growth of the city with ample play grounds. It was originally the intent of the board to build on North Hill but finally selected a lot on East Hill, bound by 12^th and 13^th and 9^th and 10^th streets. It will be constructed of brick and cement stone, with a basement and rest rooms for lady teachers and girls of the school, as well as a lunch room. I have suggested a shower room for the boys locker room who will play sports on athletic teams. The 8^th grade is the last grade of the grammar school. The new school will have only 9^th through 12 grades. The transition from grade to grade is gradual. For the past 10 years for school No 1 the transition from 8^th grade to high school has declined. In 1897 it dropped off to 42 percent in 1898 it fell to 41 percent; In 1899 it was 40 percent; 1900=39 percent; 1901=39 percent; 1902=27 percent; 1903=38 percent; 1904=39 percent and in 1905= 39 percent and in 1906= 38 percent. The increase in 1905 was hopeful, but becomes doubtful since the decline in 1906. What’s becoming of these boys whom leave school before high school? Something must be seriously wrong with our public school system which reaches less than half of the boys in school and it ought to be studied.

32 August 1907 (Pensacola Journal p-8) ———– Rapid progress is being made by the workman in the employ of the Southern Bell telephone and Telegraph in the working of placing wires of the system in the city’s underground.

15 March 1908 (Pensacola Journal p-4) ———— The attractions of Pensacola as a tourist resort during the winter months have been discovered by the northern public without much help on the part of the people of Pensacola. We have now about 150 people in Pensacola from the north and each of them spends about $150 each. Suppose we have 1000 tourists here every winter. It would mean $150,000 added annually to our communities wealth.

18 April 1908 (Pensacola Journal p-3) ———- A Santa Rosa County Grand Jury report on the inspection of the “Poor Farm” recommended that the roofs of the dwelling and smaller house used for shelter were leaking, interior walls need to be re-papered and that cemetery of the poor farm is in deplorable condition and is badly in need of repairing.

11 April 1909 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ——— Within days the Secretary of the Navy, William Meyers, is expected to take up the decsion to close the Pensacola Naval Station as well as the one at New Orleans. He says he will give considerable consideration in his recommendation on whether to close it or keep it open.

23 May 1909 (Pensacola Journal p-8) ———— Two business men from Atlanta and New York; S. C. Dobbs who is the general manager of Coke Cola and St Elmo Massengale of New York, a successful advertiser. Both came to Pensacola searching for health and well-being and found thar both are addressing the Chamber of Commerce. St. Elmo Massengale believes in publicity and Mr. Dobbs is a heavy in the southern publicity. Mr. Dobbs says Pensacola has only to let the world know what it has and what she is doing to make Pensacola a bigger success on top of what it has already accomplished. Both say the tide has turned and the world is looking southward. The city must have a definite purpose in view, a vision. It must also have something to sell and know what it is and learn how to show it off. It’s not what you put on paper, it’s the brains you put into it that counts and you need to be persistent, says Dobbs. No city grows to greatness unless its advantages are known outside of its boundaries says, St Elmo Massengale.

7 May 1910 (Pensacola Journal p-4) ———— In summary, a welcome speech to Florida Hotel Association at San Carlo Hotel by Pensacola Mayor Frank Reilly on progress: It gives me deep pleasure as Mayor to welcome you on behalf of the citizens of the Deep Water City on the Gulf and San Carlo hotel.

Gentleman, never before in the history of our state in the past have the business prospects looked brighter for the future then they do n ow at this time. With the natural advantages of 1200 miles of sea coast, its great agriculture resources and unsurpassed climate, where cold and chilly winds of the north are tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf and the hot winds

from the tropics during the summer are cooled as they pass over the bosom of the Gulf before it reaches the shores of our state. Taking into consideration of the opening of the Panama Canal to be the gateway between the Atlantic and Pacific with a stream of commerce from throughout the world has never been known such as it will be as grain from the far west, coal, iron ore, cotton, timber and naval stores begin to seek the tide waters of the gulf in immense volume of business that will find its way to the tide waters of the Gulf. I am confident you gentleman here today represent one of those two critical factors to our success, capital and labor. We know they will be protected in your hands and will work harmoniously in assisting in promoting and advancing prosperity and the welfare of our state.

14 May 1911 (Pensacola Journal p-13) ——— A federal grand jury returned a “No Verdict” for accused parties selling liquor and promoting gambling on Santa rosa Island. The grand jury told Judge William B. Shepard that it could not secure sufficient evidence to warrant indictments against the individuals on the island. He said nevertheless it was evident that the law was being violated and taking place in plain sight.

17 Aug 1912 (PNJ A-2) ———- Pensacola may have an aviation school during the coming winter according to the Moisant International Aviators of New York. The Mayor of Pensacola, Frank Reilly, received a letter from A. E. Wupperman, Secretary of the Company, stating the company was interested in locating an aviation school here this winter. If the school is located here, five machines will be brought to the city as well as a large number of students and the school would need about 2000 feet of smooth runway and two buildings of about 40 x 50 feet.

3 Sept 1913 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———- The Navy yard inspection by the review board proved to be an excellent one and it surpassed all expectations says Capt. Geore R. Evans, naval contractor, William G. DeBose and civil engineer Archibald L. parsons. The voluminous report was very detailed of the yards equipment, grounds, buildings and working conditions. The board report said the site was unreservedly of the opinion that Pensacola is he best site practical of the gulf of Mexico for the Navy Yard and it is of first class.

22 Jan 1914 (PNJ p-1) ———- Eleven airplanes were unloaded yesterday along with other paraphernalia off the “Flying Battle Ship” USS Mississippi. The officers and enlisted men cleared 15 acres to start practice of takeoff and landings. The Mississippi “flying ship” launches aircraft off the ship from a catapult. No landing on the ship can occur.

^{(Note: USS Mississippi class battle ship was built in 1904-1908 and served in the Atlantic fleet 1909-1912. She was placed in reserve in 1912. She was reactivated in January 1914 with start of World War I for use as an aviation support ship assigned to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. In July 1914, Greece purchased her and renamed her Kilkis and was the flag ship of the Greek navy. She was involved in the Greco-Turkish War, 1919-1922. With Germany starting Worl was II, she was sunk by a German Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber. After the war she was sold for scrap.)}

13 Feb 1914 (PNJ p-1) ———– Two long and very successful flights were made at the Pensacola Aeronautical School of the U.S. Navy yesterday taking pictures of the submarine mines in the channel, the Fort Pickens and Fort

McRae and the Navy Yard. The first flight was made by Lieut. P. N. H. Bellinger, who was accompanied by one of the members of the aviation school. The 2^nd flight was made by Lieut. John H. towers, who is in charge of the aviation camp, in an A-3 machine. Lieut. Towers said six machines had been assembled at the yard. The aviation school proper will open Monday, it was announced.

5 July 1914 (PNJ p-1) ———– Four new flying hydro-aeroplanes are to be added to the flying squadron of the U.S. Navy at Pensacola. They consist of two Curtiss types, one Wright and one Burgess-Dunne machine.

21 April 1915 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———– The last obstacle for spanning the Escambia River with a steel bridge was removed yesterday when the war department authorized Santa Rosa County to build the bridge. The contract waw awarded to the Virginia Bridge and Iron Comp.. The bridge will be built across the river at Chumuckia and is scheduled to be completed by December.

20 Nov 1915 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ——— Florida now has 921,569 people according to the Delt of Agriculture who conducted the 1915 census. The increase of 306,667 has been noted since 1905. The 1910, Florida population was 752,619. Escambia County population in 1915 was 41,143. In 1905, it was 32,683, an increase of 8,660.

5 Dec 1915 (Pensacola Journal p-4) ———- The evidence of the enthusiasm in West Florida is seen in the support to rebuild the Old Spanish Trail Highway given by the Milton Gazette, following a meeting with Scott Emmett, who is representing the Old Spanish Trail Association of Mobile in a trip over the old historic route. The Santa Rosa County good Roads Club pledged their support in re-building a share of that historic road through Santa Rosa County.

9 April 1916 (Pensacola Journal p-4) ———— The old “Dog Farm” plantation and Pecan Grove being the most historic pieces of property in Santa Rosa County was recently purchased by the E. F. Johnson estate and Apple Company. The property consists of 450 acres of rich farm land, lying along the east shore of Blackwater Bay, about 2 miles from Milton. The historic property was one of the first to be settled along the shore of the Blackwater Bay by colonel John Hunt, when Halley’s comet made an appearance. It was from the pecan trees on this property that they won the first prize at the Paris Exposition. No soil has been found anywhere better than Santa Rosa county soil to grow pecans.

22 Oct 1916 (Pensacola Journal p-12) ———- Among the many growing towns in Santa Rosa County is he new town of Munson, located on the Floridia/Alabama state line. It is the center of a prosperous timber-producing and farming community in West Florida about 20 miles NE of Milton. Munson was established only a few years ago by the Bagdad Land & Turpentine business there. Bagdad itself is a rival to Milton during the last part of the century. Bagdad is an important shipping center for much of the navel stores produced by this company. The big lumber mill there employs several hundred men. Its output is 150,000 board feet of lumber per day. Bagdad is second in Santa Rosa County in population, behind Milton.

28 Jan 1917 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———- Pensacola’s interests in the “Alaflamiss” movement is growing as evidenced by the call of the Executive Committee of the Gulf Coast Tourist & Development League committing to raising $250,00 to promote “Alaflamiss” tourism in the region. According to Hohn A. Fox who is assisting the effort says, “this country is practically undiscovered because of its accessibility and soon as the regions virtues are known and told to the world, thousands will come here. He says, “I have been one of millions of people who travel the beaten path from New Orleans through Mobile, Montgomery, Washington and New York every year and pass this section of the country through Flomaton, a thousand times in the last two years here in my life and I never heard about Pensacola and never in my life came here until a month ago.”

• The withdrawal of the Pershing Expedition has been ordered by the war department to recall the entire command of Pershing’s military forces from Mexico and return to the U.S. The withdrawal order given by President Wilson for war.

11 Nov 1917 (Pensacola Journal p-14 ———– editorial in part- “The Island God Forgot”, that’s what the boys at Fort Pickens call it and in some ways they’re right. It’s a mighty poor place for duty and a fellow’s liable to swear that there’s no place on earth more devoid of facilities for human occupation. The worst things they says about whole of the San ta Rosa Island and Fort Pickens are the long evenings, from 6 o’clock until “light’s out” there is a strength hard to fill. Santa Rosa Island can be a good place to be, but you have got to make it so or yourself.

• Construction work will start tomorrow on the docks for the Pensacola Fertilizer & Oil Company according to C. H. Munger, President of the organization. At a building site across the bay on Town Point was made by the Superintendent, Mr. Irwin. The company will be one of the largest of it’s kind in the country, converting the inexhaustible Menhaden, a small fish near here inn abundance in the Gul of Mexico and will ben n caught here to covet the fish into fertilizer and fish oil. The Menhaden are found almost in unlimited numbers in the Gulf and the new company will have a fleet of new boats to catch them and process them into fertilizer. ^{()Note: Gulf Menhaden greatly overfished today. Small fish are filter feeders that screen phytoplankton and zooplankton from sea waters and travel in small dense schools.)}

15 Jan 1918 Pensacola Journal p-7 ———- Ad- Wanted 50 colored men to cut railroad ties, 50 men to cut cord and tar wood. Further information see J. Hokanson, Holley, Fla.

17 May 1918 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———— Work has commenced on Pensacola’s newest ship yard that will be located on the southside of Bayou Chico. The new ship yad will be operated by the Pensacola Vessel Construction Corp with the president being F. > Blount. The new yad will be designed to build ships up to 2,000 tons. The ships will be built of wood an concrete.

4 Nov 1918 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———– The US government has approved Santa Rosa County as a location for farm colonization to be offered returning US soldiers from Europe. It is quite possible a number of these farm colonies will be located across Florida says H.T. Corey, engineer of Reclamation Service under the direction of the US Department of Interior. Mr. Corey said he believes Santa Rosa County is quite suitable for cattle raising.

28 Dec 1918 (Pensacola Journal p-1) ———- The US Government has authorized the construction of 5,000 ton a dry dock at Pensacola and the big dock will begin Jan 1. Thomas Johnson, an official of the Bruce Dry Dock Company says the new facility would handle large merchant ships and most was vessels of up to 7.000 tons.

25 June 1919 (PNJ p-40 ———- The greatest victory that was ever won in Santa Rosa County barring the possible exception of doing away with the legalized saloon was peacefully secured at the voting polls. The actual figures were 331 to 24 to approve bonds for $160,000 to construct a bridge across the Escambia River at or near the Ferry Pass. In addition, the Santa Rosa County Commission has announced it will abandon the old stagecoach road between Milton and Holt. A new public highway from the east bank of the Black Water River along the L & N tracks to Okaloosa County line will not be kept up any longer.

23 Aug 1919 (PNJ p-4) ———– A contract was awarded for the construction of six miles of brick road from the eastern side of the Blackwater River bridge at Milton toward the Okaloosa line. This road is part of the old Spanish trail and will constitute a section of what is now known as Government road No. 1 that will extend from Jacksonville to Pensacola. This section is being exclusively built by the state and federal government at a coat of $113,000. The road is to be 9 feet wide with a brick surface and shoulders of 3.5 feet on each side. The road proper is to be held in place by concrete curbing. It is expected to be extended east to Okaloosa County line.

18 Feb 1920 (PNJ p-4) ————- Free Press Opinion: It’s frequently asked why Okaloosa County has better roads than Santa Rosa County. The reason is that Santa Rosa County has not taken advantage of securing revenue bonds to build roads. Okaloosa County has to date secured over $30,000 in road building bonds.

22 Feb 1920 (PNJ p-4) ————- A movement is underway to secure the designation of the Milton-Brewton road as a state road in which the state highway commission will assist and would be the biggest thing for business in Milton and Santa Rosa County. (Note: Santa Rosa Map 1914)

16 April 1920 (PNJ p-1) ———— More than 75,000 pounds of Spanish Mackerel were caught off the sand bar on Santa Rosa Island yesterday in the first catch of the season. Saunders fish company brought in 30.000pounds and had six boats out all night. Were told that the Mackerel were over a month late this year in coming north.

6 April 1921 (PNJ p-8) ————- Interest in road construction is now widespread in Santa Rosa County and its said the state legislature will ask for a $1,000,000 in bonds to construct permanently paved roads. It’s said the brick to be used will come from the Kehoe Brickyard in Pensacola who supplied the brick to construct the old Fort Barrancas and the hotel San Carlos. The road proposed would extend from Milton to the Alabama State line, form Milton to Jay and thence to Alabama on a Northwest direction about 30 miles. These new roads could give Santa Rosa county 100 miles of fine paved roads.

29 May 1921 (PNJ p-18) ———- Notice: The Steamer, “Bronx” will receive passengers at Baylen Street wharf every day except Sunday for Milton and other way ports, leaving Pensacola at 10 am. It will leave Bayton Street Warf at 2;30 pm for the Life Saving Station, Santa Rosa Island and returns at 6 pm. Round trip is $.50 cents. The vessel is open for charter any night for Bay parties. Call Arhtur B. Butterworth or Capt. Wm. H Burlison, phone 1866.

29 Aug 1921 (PNJ p-12) ——— Advertisement- Saenger Theater with 700 seats at $.28 cents each, children $.11 cents. See Betty Compson in “Prisoners of Love”, a stirring drama of passionate youth. A story of a father and husband who lavishes attention on unscrupulous women and place the blame on his daughter’s mis-steps, also see Buster Keaton in “Neighbor’s”.

9 April 1922 (Pensacola Journal p-01) ———– with the efforts of the Industrial Commission a lease was secured to use the Camp Saufley site on Santa Rosa Island from Secretary of War, Weeks. Mr. A. M. Avery has been appointed manager of Saufley Beach. A 700 foot pier is contemplated with a pavilion and mess hall divided to seat 200 people.

24 May 1922 (PNJ p-8) ————- After a two week tour, Clinton G. Smith of Washington D.C. spent the day with forest supervisor W.F. hill to discuss recreation resources for the national forests. Mr. Smith speaking of the proposed Yellow River bridge said the road system being constructed in West Florida will be helpful to that effort. The proposed road from Holley to Camp Walton, thence to Valparaiso and Freeport will make communications and travel help build economic development to the areas.

17 June 1922 (PNJ p-4) ———– Federal Forest Supervisor W. H. Hill says two cooperative road development projects in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County will cost $37,175 for the road and bridge in Santa Rosa County. The Milton-Camp Walton Road Project in Santa Rosa county will connect with the paved brick road already leading east out of Milton and it will run south to what is known as Falk’s ferry on the Yellow River which will be bridged at that point. The entire bridge will be about one mile long. The original plan is to build all the way to Holley and the road will cross the East Rover at harper. From Harper, the proposed road will run east along Santa Rosa sound to Mary Ester via Harris and on the Camp Walton.

10 Dec 1923 (PNJ p- 39) ———— For many years Camp Walton has been a secret summer seaside resort for local residents. Since the Harbeson Hotel Development, the owner W. S. Harbeson, has turned it into more of a tourist location for out of state visitors. There are several hotels of lesser capacity and luxury that’s added comfort to the area. Camp Walton is in Okaloosa County and located on the shores of The Narrows at the eastern end of Santa Rosa Sound. It’s seclusion is one of the chief attractions. Pensacola is 40 miles west. Across the sound is Santa Rosa Island with snow white sand drifts 50 feet high. There is a boat line that runs between Pensacola and Camp Walton on a regular schedule and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad runs to Crestview. Mr. Harbeson is now having constructed at the Pensacola shipyard a commodious and exquisitely appointed passenger boat for his guests that will run between Pensacola and Camp Walton in two & one-half hours with accommodations for 150 passengers.

• Advertisement P-40 ———- Santa Rosa County is home to Milton, the County Seat, and the home of the Paper Shell Pecans. Santa Rosa County is widely known for agriculture and horticulture land development in West Florida. The most notable of the fruits are the Fritz Heintzelman Satsuma Tangerine and pecan groves and nurseries near Robinson Point, which is now merged with the Bagdad orchards and nursery. The Pace horticulture Agriculture Development at Cora, Chumuckla, Pace and Munson; Collins Sand Pear Grove is one mile north of Milton and the D.R. read Development on Satsuma Ave is between Milton and pace, the DeGalvaez Nursery in on the Blackwater-Escambia peninsula as well as several other places in Santa Rosa County. Santa rosa County has unlimited natural resources with 656,640 acres of land. One of the nation’s most important highways, the old Spanish Trail, which extends from St Augustine across northern Florida and the thence to Houston, Texas and thence to Los Angeles, California and it passes directly through Milton. (Note: Satsumaland, FL. Is noted for the Satsuma Mandarin orange tangerine that originated in China and was introduced by George r. hill in 1876. In 1908-1911, over one million “Owari” Satsuma trees were imported and planted across the lower gulf coast states from Florida to Texas. The trees thrived and an extensive Tangerine industry developed but the occasional freezes in West Florida and along the coast reduced the acreage of the trees. Satsuma, Florida is in Putman County.

11 May 1924 (PNJ p-1) ————- A quick claim bill for a ship canal through Santa Rosa Island passed the US Senate. The bill will authorize the Secretary of War to lease or grant a quick claim deed to certain tracts of land to construct a strip 600 feet wide for a ship canal established at a coat of $4 to 5 million and it will connect the Choctawhatchee Bay with the Gulf of Mexico.

26 June 1924 (The Pensacolian p-4) ————- Rumors are running wild on land and agriculture development for horticultural purposes in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties over growing Satsuma oranges, strawberries and pears. O.L. Gray and his wife are down on the bay near Holley, camping out and studying the situations. At issue is the old San Carlos tract of land with several thousand acres of land available now in the hands of the Bankers Investment Company who appointed Mr. Gray to look it over. Mr. Gray will be here for several weeks and has engaged his surveyors to re-establish the old tract into lots and small acreages. The property fronts on the Santa Rosa sound. In Escambia County on the bay there are parties looking at the possibility of purchasing 5000 acres or more of what is known as the old Soule tract to establish opportunities for fruit farmers and cannery’s. Already a couple of cannery experts from Chicago are looking at the property as well.

21 Jan 1925 (The Pensacola Journal p-1) ———- Mr. A. G. Davenport & Walter M. Bowers purchased a 135 acre tract at Town Point, across the bay from Pensacola. The Town Point property, which a year ago could be purchased for $15 per acre. Since then its increased nearly 100 percent in 8 months. The property is considered among the most valuable in that section and the purchasers have announced their intention of converting it into high class residential sites.

12 Feb 1925 (PNJ p-12) ————– Major Guy H. Wyman who owns a 3500 acre tract of land on Santa Rosa Sound that also overlooking the bay and who also has charge of the old Santa Rosa Reality Company’s holdings on the sound was in Milton this week. Major Wyman stated he had maps drawn and blue prints made for the establishment of a new town site on the sound, about five miles from Holley. The name of the town will be “Navarra.” Plans are underway for bringing a number of northern people to view the lots for sale to this new town site.

17 April 1925 PNJ p-1) ———— A new town site is on track to be opened. An Illinois man bought the old San Carlos tract of 8400 acres. O.L. Gray of Watseka, Ill. has been here several days completing the details for development of a town site located south of the East River in Santa Rosa County. Mr. Grays survey shows he has four and one half miles of beautiful frontage on the sound, one mile on Pensacola Bay and about one mile of East Bay. The new Camp Walton-Milton road runs through the east end of Mr. Grays tract. The name of the town is “Navarre.” It will be developed with wide streets, public parkways, and tourists camps on the beach. A dock will be built for boats to unload tourists at the town center. Mr. Gray is offering free ground to erect a protestant church, a public school, a city hall and a hotel with 40 or more

10 Aug 1925 (PNJ p-1) ———— The U.S. War Department has requested the right to sell lands on coastal barrier islands. Senator Duncan U. Fletcher has been informed that the Secretary of War shall seek authorization to sell Perdido Bay, Escambia County and Moreno Point entrances to Santa Rosa island.

8 October 1925 (PNJ p-5) ———- Advertisement: 4645 ACRES, 2 & 1/2 miles of water front on Santa Rosa Sound, 4 miles of river front, 4 miles west of Florosa. Adjoins townsite of Navarre. The last of the large tracts near the Gulf of Mexico, for one week only at $160 per acre. 25% cash, balance in 1,2,or 3 years. To take advantage of this requires a quick decision, as it is $100 per acre under price. The Rollo Reality Comp, Milton/Pensacola, FL

18 Oct 1925 (PNJ p-7) ———– Advertisement: In waterfront property we have for sale the town site of “Navarre,” consisting of 640 acres with one mile of water front on Santa Rosa sound. We also have for sale 885 acres with one and a half miles of waterfront on East Bay. This tract adjoins the town of Holley and has been christened as “Bayola”. $135 acre- McRae & Simpson in Milton.

28 Oct 1925 (PNJ p-4) ————- Legal notice: The status of government owned land in this section given; shows title of land dating back to treaty in a letter from W. L. Hill, Secretary of Committee on Commerce of U.S. Senate who made the letter public of government owned lands to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is explained here. The letter says the government first gained control of the lands in 1819 when the territory was ceded to the United States by Spain. By an Act of Congress approved on 22 April 1826, the lands fronting Pensacola Bay from the mouth of Big Bayou to a line below Tartar Point and thence back to Big Bayou selected by the Navy and all lands fronting the Bay for one mile back, for a location of the Navy yard or other public works. In further response to your inquiry of 21 August 1925, relative to Naval and military reservations located in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, Florida. You are advised that on Oct 6, 1925, the Secretary of Navy reported to the Secretary of the Interior that private claims in the name of Rick Call and Henry Brackenridge, including the following instruments. (1) Deed from Joseph M. White as attorney in fact for Henry Breckenridge in Deed book “B” page 54 of the records of Escambia county, DFL.; consideration $1800. Area of land conveyed 400 Arpents. (2) Deed of Joseph M. white dated 1o March 1828 recorded in Deed book “B” page 64 of the records of Escambia county, FL. This land has been conveyed privately to Joseph M. White by Henry M. Breckenridge and Richard K. Call and reserved for the Navy Department.

15 Dec 1925 (PNJ p-16) ———— A brief history of Pensacola- Panfilo de Narvaez landed on Santa Rosa Island in Oct 1528 and established a settlement located near where the old Coast Guard Resue Station was located. The settlement was destroyed by hurricane in 1754.

10 Jan 1926 (PNJ p-16) ————- Advertisement: 246 acres of water front property on Santa Rosa sound, facing the Santa Rosa island on the Gulf of Mexico. This property has on the north, one half mile road frontage on the designated state road and has three quarters of a mile of beautiful water front with a pretty white sand beach, the lands nearest to the water is covered with large moss hanging oaks, and the other lands are covered in virgin pine timber. The entire beach is beautiful for bathing purposes with the exception of a very small portion that has deep water within 50 feet of the shore line, making it an ideal for a boat landing and fishing dock. This land joins the “Navarre” subdivision on the east and is the nearest point to the railroad and Milton. Price and terms to interested buyers only.

11 Nov 1926 (PNJ p-8) ————- The appraisal of federal lands has been completed. An air survey was made of Santa Rosa Island and the East Pass tract, including Santa Rosa islands 8,000 acre tract to East Pass.

3 May 1927 (PNJ p-4) ————- That the People May Know Better, Op Ed, in part by Arden DearBeyne: It appears to me that most “dogmatic” blunders being made by Escambia County is the refusal of county commissioners to consider purchasing that part of Santa Rosa island with its 50 miles of beautiful water frontage offered by the government for the paltry sum of $10,000. I call it a “dogmatic” blunder because I am told by many progressive residents and business men that there seems to be a regular habit here to attempt to stifle every cardinal move of promoting individuals that may contribute to the economic and political growth of the city… Pensacola is a Port town. It is known as a water resort and its future is increased by tourists and lies solely in that direction.

15 May 1927 (PNJ p-1) ————– Escambia County will buy the Santa Rosa Island tract. Commissioners will accept governments offer and buy the 8,039 acres east of Quarantine Station. The tract of land, which will be sold for $1.25 an acre, will be used for only recreational purposes. T.R. James, Attorney for Okaloosa County said Okaloosa County will buy the island if Escambia County didn’t exercise its option. Mr. James said, Okaloosa County planned to get a contract for a causeway to the island, with a probability of a channel being dredged from the Bay to the Gulf if they buy it.

5 Oct 1927 (PNJ p-1) ————- A joint meeting is scheduled between the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Commissioners to discuss the construction of the proposed highway bridge across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Peninsula that can bring the reality of such action closer to approval. Under discussion will be a new franchise for Johnson, Drake and Piper contractors at the suggestion of R.G. Patterson, the engineer. The proposed bridges cost, financing and design will be discussed. An accurate survey and proposed road which is estimated to be 20 miles in length would be extend from the bridgehead on the Santa Rosa side across the Bay and to the Gulf Coast Highway in the vicinity of Navarre. This road is to be built by Santa Rosa County.

4 Oct 1927 (PNJ p-34) ————- Charles Overman, Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners met with R.L. Bannerman of the Florida State engineering department as survey work on the road from Pensacola to Town Point and the traverses the country side some 20 miles, ending at “Navarre”, where it will intersect with state road No 10, already established, costing $100,000.

30 November 1927 (PNJ p-1) ————- John Maloy found an old message from a sailor to his mother in a bottle washed ashore on Santa Rosa Island. The message read, “To my beloved Mother, Sept 1894, Dearest mother, in these few minutes I have left to live, I tell you how sorry I am that I did not do as you begged me to. I beg your forgiveness. Hoping this bottle will reach you. Your beloved, Cad.” On another piece of paper was wrote; “Anyone finding this bottle please send to 5068 N 5^th Ave, New York, New York. I was on the schooner Hands, a five year old square rigger.”

26 April 1928 (PNJ p-4) ———– The county commission board of Okaloosa County has requested the Commission Board of Escambia County to draw up a resolution to ask congress to grant a franchise right on a canal across Santa Rosa Island.

26 Oct 1928 (PNJ p-7) ———— The bridge plans are approved by the public here; Santa Rosa and Escambia counties passed two projects with approval of a bridge across the Santa Rosa sound and a bridge across the Big Bayou. The sound bridge will connect with the proposed Pensacola Bay bridge and new Gulf Coastal Highway.

5 Jan 1929 (PNJ p-9) ———— Escambia County will purchase from United States a portion of Santa Rosa Island that was authorized to be sold by Act of Congress, Chapter 54, approved March 12, 1926 to declare such power to have existed at the time of and ever since to authorize the county to hold, retain, and use or to permit by license, lease, or other purposes in accordance with Section 7 of said Act of Congress, Chapter 883, approved May 23, 1928 and ratified and validating and confirming all acts in this proceedings.

12 Feb 1929 (PNJ p-1) ———– The first stake in the construction of the Pensacola bay bridge as driven into the ground by M. A. Touart, the father of the bridge idea at a celebration at the intersection of Gregery street and sixteenth Ave. The $2 million project is one of the most important improvements ever contemplated in Pensacola. The bridge will be built by Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc. The bridge will be about four miles long with a with concrete and steel and have a 28 foot roadway and a 80 foot draw bridge.

28 Aug 1929 (PNJ p-2) ———– The Escambia board of commissioners leased one section of Santa Rosa Isan and approved an application for leasing another. The firm Johnson, Drake and Piper has been granted a 20 year lease on a 2.5 mile stretch east of the Quarantine Station and the application for the island amusement Corporation for a five mile stretch east of the Quarantine Station for a $200 fee.

29 Oct 1929 (PNJ p-1) ———– Wall Street’s big stock market has opened quietly. There was a slight dizziness, as of one that has fallen from a hammock while sleeping. But prices are better today. President Hoover’s assertion of the soundness of our national prosperity has assured many.

1930 circa ref.- Tom Moreno———– Last living former slave of Escambia County, FL. (Note: The “spry” Mr. Moreno was listed in the 8 Nov 1940 PNJ newspaper who cited his 101 years having lived his entire life in Pensacola and was “quite spry” for his age. On 27 June 1900 Daily News p-5 he was listed has being in a knife fight with his half-brother, Ed Sunday.)

14 March 1930 (PNJ p-8) ———- Tourist camps are to be built near “Navarre.” Detroit capitalists have nearly completed negotiations for 10 acres of land near Navarre on the sound as a possible location for a modern up-to-date tourist camp. The proposed tourist camp will consist of 50 or more cottages, equipped with the tourist conveniences of water, electric lights, and equipped with bathing facilities and a garage. A community store will be connected with the effort.

18 Aug 1930 (PNJ p-6) ———– There is a spirit of optimism evident across the district. Over in Pensacola, work has been resumed on the $2 million bridge across the Bay to Town Point. The state road department is starting the 19 mile grading work on No 53- Town Point to Navarre.

3 Sept 1930 (PNJ p-1) ———— Construction of a 600 foot pier directly across from Camp Walton began yesterday has started. Congressman Tom Yon and Senator Herbert Clare plan to petition to the Department of Navy to sink the USS Florida at the end of the Pier. The Camp Walton sea pier is being built by the Camp Walton fishing club, a newly organized group with Dupont interests in charge of the construction.

13 Dec 1930 (PNJ p-4) ———– The work by the state road department to complete the Gulf Coastal Highway from Panama City to Pensacola should make West Florida folks happy. Two convict crews are grubbing and grading the road from Town Point to “Navarre.” Paving crews are surfacing at a rate of one mile per week. Another 12 months should see the Gulf Coastal Highway completed.

31 Dec 1930 (PNJ p-1) ———- Okaloosa County has secured a lease from Escambia County to develop the Santa Rosa island. Escambia County granted a lease to the Okaloosa Amusement Company for one year on Santa Rosa island for $100 to W.A. Richbourg to develop an island amusement activity near Camp Walton.

22 May 1931 (PNJ p-6) ———– In a few days, the Gulf Coastal Highway (98) will be opened for traffic from Valparaiso to “Navarre” for traffic, via Port Dixie, Camp Walton, Mary Ester, and Florosa.

24 May 1931 (PNJ p-1) ————- With less than three weeks remaining before the opening of Pensacola’s $ 3million development, which includes the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Santa Rosa sound bridge and the beach casino, the plans are moving ahead at top speed. Upon completion the committee is expecting between 15000 and 2,000 visitors in what will be one of the greatest celebrations ever. The Pensacola Bridge Corp. is rushing to finish the work on the $250,000 bridge across the Santa Rosa sound and the $150,000 resort building at Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island.

12 June 1931 (PNJ p-11) ———— Construction of the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Santa Rosa sound and Santa Rosa island casino is completed and opens a new era in West Florida. The $2 million Bascule span draw bridge and new coastal road system between Pensacola and Apalachicola will become West Florida’s greatest economic resource. As a result, there will be an exclusive resort on the Santa Rosa Peninsula with hotels, beautiful homes, and a golf course within one year. A second bridge across the Santa Rosa Sound and the casino on “Pensacola Beach” are actualities. Auto’s that drive on the big three mile bascule span in the center of the bridge where boats travel between the two huge leaves will never be in danger of trouble from failure according to engineers. The four huge iron cylinders sitting on creosote pilings are driven into the bay floor 60 to 100 feet to support the draw bridge operation. When opened vertically for boats to pass through it will accommodate ships with 100 foot beams. The new bridge road system in Escambia County coats $4 million. About 2 miles west of what is now Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island the original Pensacola settlement once stood and was sketched by a visiting English trader in 1743. The Pensacola settlement area was in 1559- some six years before St Augustine by the Spanish, but failed shortly thereafter because of a hurricane. The settlers moved inland thereafter on what is today the NAS naval station. The Pensacola Bay bridge has 1252 concrete pilings cast at the Pensacola Shipbuilding yards and were than barged to the site for installation. There was only one fatal accident on the entire project. It happened on 5 Dec 1929 when a young man, Henry Grady Hardy became entangle Pensacola Bay bridge June 1931 died when he became in derrick cables while he was working on the project. Rosa Island the original Pensacola settlement once stood and was sketched by a visiting English trader in 1743. The Pensacola settlement area was in 1559- some six years before St Augustine by the Spanish, but failed shortly thereafter because of a hurricane. The settlers moved inland thereafter on what is today the NAS naval station. The Pensacola Bay bridge has 1252 concrete pilings cast at the Pensacola Shipbuilding yards and were than barged to the site for installation. There was only one fatal accident on the entire project. It happened on 5 Dec 1929 when a young man, Henry Grady Hardy became entangle Pensacola Bay bridge June 1931 died when he became in derrick cables while he was working on the project.

29 Nov 1931 (PNJ p-13) ———– A 30 car motorcade will leave Pensacola at 1 AM tomorrow and proceed to Camp Walton, where a dinner and program will include a talk by Gov. Doyle E Carition on the progress being made in western Florida. The road is part of a loop connecting Pensacola to Navarre, Mary Ester, Niceville, Crestville, Milligan, Holt and Milton.

28 1932 (PNJ p-1) ———– Seasonal tickets for the Pensacola Bay Bridge will go on sale at 6 round trip tickets for $5 and 25 round trip tickets for $20. All tickets are good for a car, driver and four passengers.

11 June 1932 (PNJ p-4)———- The $2.5 million Pensacola Bay bridge is one year old. Figures released by the bridge company show more than 16,000 automobiles from other states other than Florida that have crossed the span over the last year. These cars carried a total of 62,000 people. In addition, the 3 mile bridge itself has turned out to be a chief attraction of nearly 10,000 people who visited Pensacola on railroad excursions so far this year.

19 Oct 1932 (PNJ p-1) ———– The federal government has secured the authority to assume control of the Gulf Coast highways between Milton and Tallahassee over existing state roads No. 10 and No. 115 and will provide for bridges at Fort Walton and `East pass as well as state Highway No. 53 from Florosa to Pensacola via the Pensacola Bay bridge according to Harry H. Wells, Chairman of the state highway board. The entire highway from Pensacola to Panama City and thence to Tallahassee will be completed by June or July. The Fort Walton and Choctawhatchee pass bridge will be competed with $3.5 million federal dollars by next July. In addition, a petition requesting a survey of the 528-mile route from Pensacola to Fort Myers, FL for a Intercoastal canal was presented to the U.S. Board of Engineers in Washington DC.

20 Oct 1932 (PNJ p-3) ———– Editorial in part: The action of the state road department in taking over the ferries between Apalachicola and Eastpoint and freeing them of tolls leaves three links of the Gulf Coastal Highway System open between Pensacola and south Florida. The three links are: a strip of unfinished highway between Valparaiso and Panama City, an 18-mile unfinished but passable, strip between Tallahassee and Perry, and the purchase, or lease, of the Pensacola Bay toll bridge by the state road department. Until these three links are connected with portions of the highway already completed or taken over, Pensacola will not realize the full benefit from the ribbon of pavement which strikes the Gulf coast through as beautiful a country as will be found anywhere in the world.

23 July 1933 (PNJ p-11) ————- A total of 466 Santa Rosa County farmers have signed up with the federal governments program to cut the price of cotton by plowing the crop under. There are 834 cotton farmers in Santa rosa County. The 466 cotton farmers agreed to plow under 3548 acres of cotton and will as a result receive a total of 452,360 in cash from the government. This averages out to about $15 per acre or $112 per farmer.

27 July 1933 (PNJ p-3) ———- Fifteen members of the girls auxiliary of the First Baptist Church of Milton returned after a week of delightful fun at camp in Navarre on the sound. During the week, the girls enjoyed crabbing, fishing, boating and swimming. They also took a written exam on their manual and completed their missionary book. The group of girls was composed of Elon Hudson, Lois Senterfitt, Maude Riverbark, Hilda and Ellen Vincent, Neil Chapman, Mary Fisher, Daisy Robertson, Cathrine Lambeth and their counselor Mrs. Ellen Senterfitt.

26 Sept 1934 (PNJ p-1) ———- The creation of a National Park in Northwest Florida that would enhance 50 miles of the Gulf of Mexico gas has been recommended by the state of Florida that would include Santa Rosa island.

30 June 1935 (PNJ p-5) ———- A compromise agreement was reached at a joint meeting between Escambia and Santa Rosa County Commissioners whereby acquisition of Santa Rosa Island would be possible by the federal government according to Wingate Green, head of AAA land project. The agreement provided for Escambia County to lease Santa Rosa Island to the government for five years for contemplated improvements at which time the full ownership of the land shall revert back to Escambia County. The agreement also provides for the U.S. government to make full ownership if $400,000 in improvements to Santa Rosa Island for a park occurs. It includes the construction of a 22 mile road that would be made down the island.

10 March 1936 (PNJ p-2) ——— The Alabama state and county tax collector, Mr. Wentworth, announced that he would mail a print of Pensacola as it appeared in 1743 when the town was located on Santa Rosa island. He says he has already mailed hundreds of the print to people who write to him and included a stamp to mail the print copy back. (see p-7)

22 April 1936 (PNJ p-10) ———- Escambia County Commissioners are considering a proposal to deed a portion of Santa Rosa Island to the State of Florida for a state park. C.H. Schaeffer, Director of the Florida Park Service said the tract of land under consideration for a state park extends eastward from Pensacola Beach for a distance of 25 miles and would include a CCC camp of 200 members who would be assigned to the project if approved. The county commission decided to take no action on the offer.

3 Jan 1937 (PNJ p-9) ———— The bodies of two service officers were found today in the burned wreckage of an Army pursuit plane which crashed in the rugged hills of Cheaha State Park east of Talladega, Al.. The pilot was by Lt. Colonel F. I. Eglin and was carrying Lieut. Howard E Shelter Jr., a naval officer, which left Langley Field, VA yesterday enroute to Maxwell Field, Al. Colonel Eglin, veteran army flier of the Great world war was 48 years old, a native of New York City and orphan. Lieut. Shelton was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

12 Oct 1937 (PNJ p-1) ———– Brig. General H.C. Bratt, commanding officer of Maxwell Field, Montogomery, AL. says he will increase the strength at newly named Eglin Field, FL., if the East Pass improvements are made. Florida state legislator, Robert Sikes of Crestview says that a 255 improvements in transportation coasts on cotton and tung oil could be saved if vessels are available to use the East Pass. (Note: Eglin AFB was established in 1935 as originally called the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery School Base. It was named after Lt. Colonel Frederick I. Eglin (1891-1937) who was killed in a Northup A-17 attack aircraft in a flight from Langley Field to Maxwell field, AL> Eglin Field was the creation of the Valparaiso Airport when 137 acres was cleared for an airdrome. Today it is occupied by the 96^th Test wing for air delivery weapons, and special Airforce operations command. The U.S. Forest Service ceded over 340,000 acres of the Choctawhatchee National forest to the War Department in Oct 1940.)

29 Dec 1937 (PNJ p-1) ———- Mr. Carl P. Russell, Regional Director of the National Park Service is in Pensacola and ready to accept the Santa Rosa Island ownership. A group of engineers and landscapers are standing ready to complete a survey for a master plan for development of the island. The offer to take over Santa Rosa Island and develop it into a national park is supported be the majority of business and civic leaders with enthusiasm. A bill to permit the county to sell the island is being held in abeyance by Senator Claude Pepper pending the outcome of the deal. Under the original agreement when the county originally purchased the island from the government for $10,000 years ago., no part of it could be sold. Several leases now being held by operators of recreational facilities would be taken over by the U.S. government.

30 Dec 1937 PNJ p-1) ———- Santa Rosa Island was to be made into a National Park by the federal governments Department of Interior. After a two hour meeting with Escambia County attorney Richard H. Merrit, a presidential proclamation making the island a National Monument is expected instead. The Parks Services has made several studies of Santa Rosa Island since 1934. The Parks Service will supervise expenditures of $9 million for surveys and master plans for development. Mr. Russell said, we understand that the title to the eastern portion of the 48 mile Santa Rosa island was conveyed to Escambia County, FL. by the Secretary of War by deed dated April 29, 1929, which was amended by another deed dated Feb 3, 1932. Senate Bill 2829 of 75^th congress provides that Escambia County may sell certain portions of Santa Rosa Island provided the proceeds are used for public purposes on the island. This bill was introduced by Senator Claude Pepper on July 23, 1937, and the action is held pending the decision of Escambia County’s board for final disposition of the counties interests in the island. The actual work for the proposed plan will take place as appropriations are obtained said Mr. Russell.

2 Jan 1938 (PNJ p-2) ———- The new proposed 40 mile Santa Rosa Island National Park area is rich in historic lore; historic Native American occupancy and burial mounds, early Spanish settlements, ship wrecks, buried pirate gold, military conflicts, unique wildlife and plants, abundant marine life, tourists and of course hurricanes. Gold was reportedly buried on the island six miles east of the old casino. The formation of what were called “Dens” on the island was formed by winds and vegetation that sweeps the sand dunes to heights of more than 50 feet and leaves natural depressions that become small shallow valleys or lakes in which native plants survive and flourish until the tourists walk over them. (Santa Rosa Island 1929)

13 April 1938 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Pensacola Bay Bridge firm official says the company may attempt to enforce a clause in its lease giving it the option to buy two and one-half miles of Santa Rosa Island in the event Escambia County “sells or conveys” the island to the anyone, says Mr. Russel Gill, of the bridge company . After a two hour discussion of the federal government’s proposal to take over the island and make it into a National Seashore Park the resolution to accept the Department of Interiors proposal failed to be resolved. At the meeting was Mr. George L Collins, deputy assistant to Director Arno B Cammerer of the National Park Service. The meeting of the board ended with a resolution in which included a reversion clause in the islands deed before it was turned over to the U.S. government and it included the protection of all present lease-holders on the island if such use ever be abandoned and protects the interests of the existing leaseholders due to the satisfaction of the board of county commissioners in deed book 31, p-410.

8 May 1938 (PNJ p-20) ———– Four old forts near the mouth of the Pensacola Bay testify to Pensacola’s history. Two of the forts, Fort San Carlos and Fort Barrancas are quite accessible and visible sitting high on hills of sand. Fort Redoubt is located about a half mile back from the Bay in the woods. Fort Pickens is located near the Pensacola Bay pass. The first landing of Europeans is believed to have taken place in October 1528 by the Spanish explorer Panfillio de Narvez when he landed on Santa Rosa Island not far from where Fort Pickens not stands. The first European settlement is believed to be at the present site of Fort Barrancas when Don Tristram de Luna with 1500 soldiers in 1579 landed. The site was later abandoned because of a hurricane and was resettled in 1723 and it’s said to be depicted in a 1743 print.

25 June 1938 (PNJ p-9) ———– Capt. Arnold Rich will leave Eglin Field this week for Langly field, VA or the Amry training field in Colorado where he has been transferred. He is recognized in Valparaiso as the father of the Eglin Field nearly four years ago. Temporary tents were erected and a detachment of officers and enlisted men were sent here from maxwell field, Alabama.

11 Aug 1938 (PNJ p-1) ——— Construction of NW Florida’s first dog racing track is to be located on the new Gulf Coast Highway about 15 miles east of Pensacola, near Navarre. Construction is scheduled to start Sept 10 says Jay Burns, President of the Santa Rosa Kennel Club. Mr. Burns says $100,000 will be invested in the new track and it will seat 3500 and employ 90 people.

23 Oct 1938 ———- In part, (PNJ p-4) Editorial: “What’s Become of our National Park Movement? Are private interests blocking machinery that otherwise would turn rapidly?… Which is giving the impression that it’s not wanted here… In an address the other day, Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of Interior, stated the purpose of the National Parks. In the address he declared that: “The (National Parks) are set aside to maintain a permanent public ownership of land areas of exceptional beauty and grandeur, scenery that exalts the spirit, mountains, glaciers, canyons and forests about them, with birds and animals that are native- and to make them available forever for the enjoyment of the people. When we look up and down the ocean fronts of America, we find everywhere that they (the beaches) are passing behind the fences of private ownership. The people can no longer get to the ocean. When we have reached the point that a nation of 125,000,000 people cannot set foot upon the thousands of miles of beaches that border the oceans, except by the permission of those who monopolize the ocean front, then I say that it is the prerogative and duty of the federal and state governments to step in and acquire, not a swimming beach here and there, but solid blocks of ocean front hundreds of miles in length. Call this ocean a National Park or National Seashore or a State Park or anything you please- I say the America people have a right to a fair share of it.” And we agree with you Mr. Secretary. The people do have a right to a fair share of the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and beaches of Santa rosa Island. And we want you to know that the people of Escambia County, who owns Santa Rosa Island and the County Commission of this county, have voiced their unmistakable sentiment for the movement to turn the island over to the National Park Service for a National Park. And we want you to know we that; if you have been contrarily advised that you have been falsely advised and we that are ready and willing and anxious for you to come.” In 1938, 3.8 million people as of Sept 30, 1938, visited a National Park. This is an increase of 1.1 million visitors over 1937 (PNJ p-4)

2 Nov 1938 (PNJ p-7) ———- The Escambia County Commissioners voted to accept the federal government’s proposal for establishing a National Seashore Park on 40 miles of Santa Rosa Island failed to pass because it ended in a tie yesterday. The issue was and is that the federal government’s Department of Interior has made no definite promise on the development of the park says commission Chairman John N. Rauscher on a motion to completely abandon the entire island. In a letter addressed to Chairman Rauscher from Mr. Harry Slattery, acting Secretary of Interior said that the letter addressed to him did not constitute the “complete” abandonment of Santa Rosa Island. In the letter sent to Mr. Slattery he asked for assurances on two existing leases issued 13 August 1929 between Escambia County and Johnson Drake and Piper Incorporated covering 2.5 miles of Santa Rosa Island lying immediately east of the eastern boundary line of the old quarantine station. The other lease issued 10 Sept 1929 between Escambia County and the island amusement company covered a portion of the eastern end of the island. The letter goes on to say, “The next step appears to be the abandonment of the island in the solicitors opinion.” Motion failed at that point.

8 Jan 1939 (PNJ p-6) ———– One hundred and ninety aviators, including officer and enlisted men from Selfridge Field, Wayne county, Michigan arrived at Englin Field for two weeks of maneuvers in bombing and target practice.

5 Feb 1939 (PNJ p-4) ———— Santa Rosa Island is only one stop away from becoming a National Monument. The Solicitor General of the Department of Interior has rendered an opinion that all legal requirements have been met and that the Santa Rosa Island is now under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior’s authority as a National Monument. A master plan and funding will be developed later.

5 April 1939 (PNJ p-5)———– Anti-aircraft machine gun firing beach Battery B, 13^th Coastal Artillery at Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island will be held from 8 am to 11 am April 7 through April 10. The danger zone for shipping will be an area between a line extended SW from the west end of Santa Rosa Island to SE from the U.S. Coast Guard station to a range of 6000 yards beyond the shoreline. Caution is advised.

19 May 1939 (PNJ p-1)———– The park project on Santa Rosa Island is approved. The Santa Rosa Island National Monument project was announced yesterday at Washington DC by Representative Millard Caldwell. The park project comprised of 8,000 acres on Santa Rosa Island will be developed for recreational and biological uses. The island, which was abandoned to the federal government by Escambia County after negotiations started two years ago, differs from a National Park only that a National Monument may be created by a presidential order instead of an Act of Congress. No definite amount of funding has been set. The resolution agreeing to abandonment of a portion of the island to the government with present lease holders protected, was adopted by the Escambia County Board Nov 9, 1938. The island had been purchased from the U.S. Government in 1927 for $10,000 as surplus land.

12 June 1939 (PNJ p-1) ———–Pensacola is receiving wide spread publicity from the establishment of a National Monument on Santa Rosa Island after President Roosevelt proclaimed it as such. The Secretary of the Interior issued a press release on it that went across the country. It sates, “Santa Rosa Island is a barrier island of the Gulf of Coast of Florida, southeast of Pensacola. It is 44 miles long and one-eighth to one-half mile wide. It was formally a military reservation but a major portion was sold to Escambia County, Fl. The county recently abandoned its interest in the land and title reverted to the United States. The history dates back to 1696, when the Spanish established Fort San Carlos de Austria on the nearby mainland on Pensacola Bay. The area has since been under five different flags.

29 Aug 1939 (PNJ p-4) ———- The increase in personnel at Eglin field Army Air Corps gunnery base near Valparaiso is reportedly acquiring 50,000 acres of additional land for the fields expansion.

15 Feb 1940 (PNJ p-2) ———- Eighteen Hundred troops from Fort McClelland, AL. will arrive at Eglin Field, Valparaiso this week with the 10th infantry Division and one Battalion of the 19^th Field Artillery upon arrival and a complete tent camp will be set up.

24 March 1940 (PNJ p-6) ———– Plans for the development of Eglin Field at Valparaíso as a great U.S. Army aviation bombing base is evidenced in the substantial increase of the personnel stationed at the post. Over the past five months the number of officers and enlisted personnel has increased 100 percent and work on providing additional runways and other facilities is moving forward. Major C.A. Maxwell, commanding officer of Eglin field assumed charge of Eglin Field in Augus, 1939.

23 June 1940 (PNJ p-2)——— The Federal government announced it was building a CCC camp on Santa Rosa Island and will have about 100 or more boys working there to help build roads and trails for visitors.

16 Oct 1940 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Escambia Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution instructing the tax assessor to place all property on Santa Rosa Island on the county tax rolls. Mr. J.E. Stuart had been charged with failing to obtain a State and County beverage license. Mr. Stuart’s lawyer, Mr. Phillip D. Beall argued in court that Santa Rosa Island and the state had completely divested itself of ownership of the island and the state of Florida and Escambia County were precluded from having jurisdiction over this matter.

5 Dec 1940 (PNJ p-7) ——— Miss Josephine Henry, a young woman scientist found two fulgurous figures fused by lighting from sand on Santa Rosa island last April. She sent them to the Academy of Science in Philadelphia in November. Fulgurites are very rare. They are produced by extreme heat of 3600 degrees Fahrenheit or more from lightning bolts that hit the beach sand.

23 July 1941 (PNJ p-4) ———– The Escambia County Commission Board voted to ask Bob Sikes to seek remuneration from the federal government for the transfer of Santa Rosa Island as a National Monument for all costs incurred.

5 Oct 1941 (PNJ p-3) ———– Fort Pickens Battery F; 13^th Coastal Artillery along with Fort Barrancas will be firing 12 inch mortars on Oct 13 in an exercise. The direction will be SE of Santa Rosa Island at 2500 yards (about 1.5 miles) and east of the Coast guard Station. The outer range will be 17,000 yards from the shore line. Caution is advised.

7 Dec 1941 (PNJ p-4)———– The Federal Department of Interior Park Service adopted a General Development Plan for Santa Rosa Island. The plan was adopted and approved in Washington DC. The next step said Col John Fishback, custodian of the National Monument will be to get sufficient funding. The plan shows major beach development; a Naval Live Oak Reservation; landing piers on the sound side; shelters and bathrooms; landing piers on the gulf side. No roads would be built, a parking lot area near the bridge would be built and cabanas constructed and if possible an aquarium site. The federal bureau of fisheries may operate an oyster and shrimp experiment station.

10 March 1942 (PNJ p-3) ——– The Federal Alcohol Tax unit seized a still in Santa Rosa County near Navarre. One 75 gallon still and 100 gallons of mash were confiscated. No arrests made. Santa Rosa is a dry county.

3 Sept 1942 (PNJ p-10) ———– Col. John S. Fishback, Santa Rosa Island Park Service Superintendent who won four decorations and two citations in WW I was called up for duty at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. for service in WW II.

8 March 1943 (PNJ p-1 ———- The $2.2 billion Naval public work authorization bill for 1944 which passed the House last week includes $15.6 million for Pensacola Naval Air Training Center says Representive Lex Green.

9 June 1943 (PNJ p-3) ———— Will J. Davis, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce will meet with Santa Rosa County commissioners to discuss the building of a new bridge over the Escambia River.

29 June 1943 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Federal government has started condemnation proceedings to acquire 640 acres of land in Santa Rosa County, near Navarre for use by the Navy Department as an auxiliary air landing field. The sum of $1,951 has been estimated as just compensation to the owner.

National Seashore Park; Opal Beach Sunset 12-27-2023

Part II

A Bridge to the Future

15 Jan 1944 (PNJ p-5)———— Army engineers are conducting a feasibility study to evaluate connecting the Escambia and Alabama rivers and dredge a canal through Santa Rosa Island to the Gulf.

20 Sept 1944 (PNJ p-4)———– The following letter from Mr. M.A. Touart Jr. was sent to the Escambia County Budget Chairman and published in the PNJ and presented here in part- Ref. Santa Rosa Bridge, Gentleman: I refer you to the following indisputable records of Escambia County… (1) Book 128, Page 493-Lease dated Aug 13/29; to Johnson Drake & Piper Inc, which is in effect until 1951, at which time it is subject to renewal for one or more year. You will note obligations of lessee under Paragraph 7 reads; renewal comes at request of Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc and expires in 20 years and such renewal shall be conditional upon maintenance and operation by said Johnson, Drake and Piper. Paragraph 9, further provides that if the Pensacola Bay Bridge shall be purchased by the state, counties or other public authority this permit shall not be voided or impaired but any such sale before said 20 year period then sale requires paying county annually a portion of net profits derived from such operation. Accordingly, with the sale of the casino property without obligation to keep the bridge in operation why are the Escambia County Commissioners imposing the maintenance and upkeep of the bridge and the possibility of a new bridge being put on the taxpayers and why is such item in the county budget? The County Commissioners have gone even further; they have bought the rights of ways in Santa Rosa County to the bridge and approaches with taxpayers money and Escambia has to maintain said roads and Santa Rosa County pays nothing. Further the state road engineers estimated that repairs to the bridge will be in excess of $225,000. The whole matter should be given a public hearing. We do need a permanent bridge to the island yes and we should get it from the federal government not from our own tax dollars. M.A. Touart Jr.

30 Sept 1944 (PNJ p-1) ———- Escambia County Budget Committee slices $53,000 from Santa Rosa Bridge maintenance to purchase new equipment.

3 March 1945 (PNJ p-1) ———– President Roosevelt signed the $500 million Waterway Bill and it provides for deeping the Pensacola Harbor channel, waterways across Santa Rosa Island and the Alabama and Escambia river connection. (Post Card Pensacola Beach 1945)

24 May 1945 (PNJ p-3) ———– Pensacola Beach will hold its formal opening today says manager Howard L. Mayers. A new up-to-the minute dining room is operated separate from the casino. It is under the personal supervision of James A Jackson. Lunches and dinners will be served continuously from 11 am to 10:30 pm daily. Other facilities at the beach include pier stands, a tavern, barbecue stand, ice cream fountain, and a bar. Mayes, the former sheriff of Escambia county announced there will be life guards on duty around the clock. The beach maintains a locker-room, bathhouse and sells bathing suits. Beach umbrellas and chairs are available.

5 Oct 1945 (PNJ p-1)———– Recently Birmingham interests which has an option on the casino property plans an expenditure of $2 million in a hotel and cottage development. Escambia deeded the tract to the Department of Interior 5 years ago, with the understanding that the current leases would not be disturbed. The Pensacola Bridge Corp sold the casino and beach lease which is now controlled by Howard Mayers, the former Sheriff of Escambia County and who owns more than one-half of the stock. Mayes pointed out the present lease runs out in 8 years and its renewal would require paying a percentage of the profits to the park service on a scale that increases each year until it reaches 50 percent.

4 Nov 1945 (PNJ p-4) ————- Editorial in part; Rep. Bob Sikes has introduced legislation in the House providing for the return of Santa Rosa Island to Escambia County. Sikes has voiced his dissatisfaction with the National Parks Service because it has done little or nothing to develop the island and has pointed out that private interests could do more. It has been announced that a Brimingham Company has an option on the casino lease holdings and wants to build a hotel and cottages. The Park Service is reported to be opposed to building cottages and hotel facilities on the island.

19 Nov 1945 (PNJ p-1)——— Congressman Bob Sikes is seeking the development of the Santa Rosa Island. Sikes said he knows nothing about the Waters Theater investment group in Brimingham to buy the Pensacola Beach casino lease and build a hotel and several hundred cottages at an investment of $2 million. The Department of Interior had title for about three years before war was declared. The project had a severe jolt when it was downgraded from a National Park to a National Monument. In any case, the Department of Interior has refused to grant any leases to individuals, he says.

7 April 1946 (PNJ p-1) ————- According to the lease filed on Dec 8, 1931, between Escambia County and Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc. the News Journal has discovered that Escambia County must sell that portion known as Pensacola Beach to the present leaseholders or its successors for $5,000 at any time the county receives full title to the island from the government. This provision of the lease says in legal terms: “If said Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc, or its successors shall not avail itself the privilege of purchase within 90 days after notice of it by the county, it’s rights to purchase shall cease and said county may sell to any other person, subject – subject however, to the Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc and all its rights thereunder.” Under the Sikes bill the island would be returned “fee simple”* to the county from the Department of Interior which has had the jurisdiction over it since 9 Nov 1938. The Department of Interior has approved the bill which would give the island to the county with a clear title. The Land Committee of the House has approved it so that it is now ready for action by the full House. It the bill were passed as now written it would mean that inside of 90 days after the county acquires title the present lease holders could purchase the site of the casino property for $5,000. The strip controlled by the leaseholders by former Sheriff Howard Mayers and others, could control 2.5 miles of Gulf frontage. This lease was originally made by Escambia County with Johnson, Drake and Piper on 23 Aug 1929. The lease is for 20 years, but in legal reality the lease is for perpetuity to the company and its successors. Representative Sikes says he had no idea that the lease clause existed. Sikes added that he can amend the bill so that the island will not be returned “fee simple”, but it would give the county control of the development and it could be carried on under long term leases. Congressman Sikes added that “My only interest in the island is for it to be a place for public use ad recreation. I do not want anything to happen that would interfere with such public interest use.” Mr. Mayers said that last Nov 5 the Birmingham interests had an option until 16 Jan 1946 to buy their lease holdings of Pensacola Beach casino Inc for $200,000. The option has been renewed and extended he said. The discovery of the “sale” provision is not expected to result in the island not being returned to Escambia County without strings attached so it will be legally necessary for the county to develop its public interest possibilities in order to retain custody of the territory. As a result, it will not be possible to sell any portion of the Santa Rosa island. * ^{(Note: “Fee Simple” is a legal law noun that provides the highest legal level of control over property. It provides a permanent and absolute tenure in land with the freedom to dispose of it at will.)}

4 June 1946 (PNJ p-) ———– The amended Sikes bill, calling for the control of Santa Rosa Island to be returned to Escambia County from the Department of Interior has passed the House of Representatives. The amendment provided that the island be returned to Escambia County to be used for such purposes as it shall deem to be in the public interest. The property, even though leased is to be subject to the regulations by the county. The bill provides that no portion or portions of the isnad can be sold. However, the county can at any time return it to the federal government or state of Florida.

30 July 1946 ———— An Act, Public law 564 (H.R. 4486) Abolishment; Conveyance of Santa Rosa Island, Fla. “Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the Santa Rosa Island National Monument, Florida, is hereby abolished, and the Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to donate and convey to Escambia County, State of Florida, all the right, title, and interest of the United States in and to that portion of Santa Rosa Island, Floridia, which is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior, to be retained by Escambia County and to be used by it for such purposes as it shall deem to be in the public interest or to be leased by it from time to time in whole or in part or parts to such persons and for such terms and conditions as it shall fix and always be subject to regulation by said county whether leased or not leased but never to be otherwise disposed of or conveyed by it: provided, that nothing herein shall prevent the said county from conveying said property back to the Federal Government or to the State of Floridia or any agency thereof. Approved July 30, 1946.” Congressional Record (Note: The legal definition of “retained” by Escambia County as denoted in the Act above is used as a verb which is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary as a “practice” to engage in services as an attorney, agent, or councilor to manage a cause and one who acts inn the clients behalf and intent.” The Act goes on to say further “and to be used by it for purposes as it shall be in the public interest or to be leased by it from time to time in whole or in part…” “It” being Escambia County. By this definition we can presume the real owner remains to be the U.S. Department of Interior, with Escambia County being its agent or representive.”

24 Sept 1946 (PNJ p-6) ———- A local group of businessmen, headed by J. H. Allen, have plans for developing five miles of Santa Rosa Island as a residential and recreational area. Allen and his associates have an option to buy a half interest in the present casino property from Howard Mayers, former sheriff of Escambia County. Commissioner Frank Parise, Earl Westmark and Clint Rely voted immediately to turn the proposal over to the Santa Rosa Island Committee for study and recommendations. The proposed lease would give perpetual rights over five miles of the island from the eastern edge of the Coast Guard reservation. The proposal says the bridge or bridges leading to the casino property must be maintained by be maintained by the county or the state. In return, the casino property would pay the county two percent of the gross receipts starting 20 years after the present Pensacola bridge is completed. The proposal says the company would construct 2.5 miles of paved roads within 2 years and subdivide the Platt’s numerous structures, summer residents and recreation buildings. At present, the casino property majority owner is Howard Mayers and the other stockholder are Edward W. Peake Sr, Carol Taylor, Guy Spearman and C. H. (Chuck) Ruckel of Valparaiso.

18 Dec 1946 (PNJ p-1)———- The Santa Rosa Island Committee appointed Mr. Russell G. Patterson on Dec 1 to serve as the consulting engineer to assist in the development of Santa Rosa Island. Mr. Patterson said he examined all the records and maps concerning the island that he could locate and presented the committee a tentative method of planning for the island development. Patterson said, “The first thing that must be determined is the amount of real and physical property that comes under the jurisdiction of the board, then the proper means of developing the property for the best interest of the public and people of the county can be determined and outlined.”. Patterson said his preliminary surveys reveled that the county is to receive 18.52 miles of the island when returned officially from the Interior Department f h United States government. The average width is approximately 1700 feet. He explained that his informal preliminary survey has led him to conclude that the following steps should be taken: (1) The actual deed to the property should be obtained by the county from the Department of Interior. (2) Determine a complete a legal status and establish a definite point fixed for the east and west boundaries. (3) Hold a conference with the existing leaseholders (Casino Beach Corp) that is satisfactory to both parties. (4) Use the nearly Use the newly agreed upon lease with the existing leaseholders as a model for making leases to others. (5) Adopt certain restrictions by zoning with the island thereby designating the location for hotels, businesses and entertainment, state parks, rental cottages, etc.. (6)b Study ways and means of obtaining improvements, such as utilities, consisting of water and sewer, lighting and power. (7) Consider the advisability of requesting the County Commissioners to request the state legislature to set up an island authority to manage the process. (8) Establish the minimum land values on a per square foot or area vases. Mr. Patterson has yet to give the advisory board an estimate on expenditures and income for the project as described.

22 Jan 1947 (PNJ p-3) ———– The Santa Rosa Island Authority advisory committee has asked for a change of status and more authority. The advisory committee is recommending legislation to give them authority to negotiate and make contracts, finance and development decisions on the island. It would operate similar to a “Port Authority”. The present committee is merely an advisory committee. R.G. Patterson, planning engineer for the advisory board recommended an actual field survey be made and permanent makers be set on the west line of the county property in order to define a starting point for future use. Patterson reported that his survey shows that Escambia County acquired 18.87 miles of property under the deed that was turned over to Escambia County by the Federal Department of Interior. This will provide a Gulf frontage of 19.1 miles The full length on the Sound side is 19.2 miles, which provides 23.5 miles of shoreline. The 19.1 miles is a straight line, the average width of the island 1860 feet, with about 200,000 linier feet of water front property on the Gulf and sound side and it covers 4800 acres of land. Mr. Patterson says the island will also need a new bridge.

1 April 1947 (PNJ p-47) ————- Legal Notice: The legislature of the state of Floridia at regular session in the year 1947 will for passage adopt an Act creating the Santa Rosa Island Authority to be composed of five members appointed by the governor of Florida who are authorized, for and on behalf of Escambia County to act in the decisions of development on Santa Rosa Island.

04 April 1947 (PNJ p-1)———–Representatives from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties met at the San Calos Hotel in Pensacola to discuss the possibilities of revising boundaries. Also attending were legislators, commissioners, residents, business and real estate professionals as well as advisory committee members. No decisions were made at the meeting, but what emerged was (1) Santa Rosa County is not interested in trading a portion of the Santa Rosa peninsula to Escambia County for a portion of Santa Rosa Island. (2) The Navy is interested in obtaining 13 miles of the island for a bombing range to train pilots and crews. (3) There is a possibility that Okaloosa County could make a deal to have jurisdiction over the eastern end of the island by paying Escambia a renumeration. Senator Newman Brackin of Crestview explained that at present, Escambia County provides the law and order for the eastern section of the island, even though it is under the jurisdiction of the Army (Eglin field) as far as the title is concerned now. It was suggested that the Santa Rosa County line be drawn south from Escambia Bay across the island. Under this option, Santa Rosa County would receive approximately 12 miles of Santa Rosa Island. In return, Escambia County would take over all of the present Santa Rosa County jurisdiction lying west of the line on Santa Rosa peninsula. Howard Tompkins, a realtor for the Navy said the U.S. Navy is making plans to request a strip of the island extending 13 miles west of the Army line. This would include extending it to a point 8 miles west of Navarre Road. (Note: provided jurisdiction, but not ownership)

20 April 1947 (PNJ p-7)———— A request by the U.S. War Department for federal jurisdiction of 4700 acres of Santa Rosa Island now owned by the federal government. The area begins almost south of Navarre and runs eastward to the end of the island in Okaloosa County. However, the entire island legally is in Escambia County and the county has jurisdiction. The Navy announced it would ask for 12 miles of Santa Rosa island which would leave them only six miles of the awarded 19 miles from the government. Another part on the sound side, just west of the sound bridge. This is where the old Quarantine Station was located and it is owned by the Treasury Department. Later it was turned over to the U.S. Fisheries Experiment Station. Recently, the 1600 acres of the Naval Live Oaks Reservation was declared surplus. The other federal government property is a 75 acre piece running from the Gulf Coastal highway to the Sound, west of the Santa Rosa Sound Bridge.

29 July 1947 (JNP p-1) ————–Escambia County Commissioners approved a plan to build a new $1.4 million steel and concrete toll bridge across the sound to Pensacola Beach.

20 Aug 1947 (PNJ p-1) ———– The Santa Rosa Island Authority told Escambia County Commissioners that in order to raise sufficient funds for the islands development, the county will have to negotiate with bonding companies or utilities and road construction. Mr. R. G. Patterson has estimated it will cost $1.5 million to start work on the new bridge which will be 48 feet from the old wooden bridge to allow traffic to continue while its under construction and provide a continuous revenue flow.

28 April 1948 (PNJ p-1)————- R. G. Patterson. Engineer for the Santa Rosa Island Authority told members of the Warrington Civitan Club that the new $1.5 million steel and concrete bridge was moving ahead and the casino on the island will be taken over by the Island Authority for operation. Patterson said the toll on the new bridge when completed will be $0.25 cents. A new beach cottage area is planned for a section of the island that will be one & one half miles east of the casino. The Island Authority will offer new 99 year leases on the property in about 3 or 4 months. He said that the sale of the island property is prohibited from being sold to private owners and if it is sold any proceeds from the sale must back to the U.S. Government. Such development were seeing now was previously impossible on the island. Lt. Commander Dusty Rhodes of the newly formed Navy “Blue Angles” was their also and explained the new groups formation was to demonstrate to the public what can be done with Navy aircraft.

7 Nov 1948 (PNJ p-11) ———— Capt. Jack Harold, one time Tammany chief of New York is here in search of buried treasure valued at $76 million near Fort Pickens and Fort Walton on Santa Rosa Island.

10 April 1949 p -2) ————— The leasing of lots in the first subdivision of Santa Rosa Island will begin this week says the Santa Rosa Island Authority. The first subdivision will be located one-half mile east of the casino on Pensacola Beach. The new plat shows 185 lots are available for constructing homes and summer cottages. The new concrete and steel bridge across the sound will be completed in June at a cost of $1.4 million. The next step is to complete the arterial highway leading from the casino parking lot to one mile east.

16 July 1949 (PNJ p-4) Streets on Santa Rosa Island in the new cottage development will carry Spanish names of explorers that were on the island. Don Tristan de Luna will be the name of the main drag.

16 July 1949 (PNJ p-1) ——— The $ 1.5 million new sound bridge to Santa Rosa island was dedicated and opened today.

15 Dec 1949 (PNJ p-1) ———— A new bill was submitted to Congress by Bob Sikes and joined by Claude Pepper who worked to lower the purchase of the three mile lease on Okaloosa Island in Okaloosa County and Fort Walton. The property was under the jurisdiction of the Army and it will be sold for $28,000. The Army was asking for $60,000.

1 Jan 1950 (PNJ p-2) ———– Escambia County reported that 800,000 people came to Pensacola Beach in 1949. This is 250,000 more than 1948. The records show that 159,826 motor vehicles crossed the Pensacola Beach bridge in 1949. A total of 105,241 crossed in 1945. The biggest news of year was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation approved a loan for $1,220.000 to the Island Authority to be used for developing the first mile on the island. The loan will be repaid from the bridge toll and other activities.

31 March 1950 (PNJ p-4) ———- Mr. & Mrs. F.J. Henkel of Detroit, Michigan were greeted in El Mar rental units at Pensacola Beach as the first to rent one of the newly completed El Mar units on Santa Rosa island.

23 April 1950 (PNJ p-4) ———– Editorial Rond Table, in part; Blind Alleys? We recall the combined experiences of Congressman Caldwell and Congressman Sikes regarding the National Park Service. When Mr. Caldwell was in congress more than a decade ago, he persuaded the Park Service to take title to a large section of Santa Rosa Island in Escambia County for a National Monument and for recreational purposes. The park services took it eagerly and then asked congress for the funds to do the work. Year after year, the budget request was sent to Capitol Hill and year after year it was turned down. When it became all too apparent that the project faced almost perpetual impasse, it took Congressman Sikes four more years to get a bill through congress to restore the title to Escambia County.

18 June 1950 (PNJ p-10) ——— Congressman Bob Sikes sent a letter to the Okaloosa County officials urging them to form an island authority to assist in the development of the Santa Rosa Island strip. In his letter, Sikes wrote, “I would like to point out that in the transfer of jurisdiction of three miles of the island to the county, which should take place within the next few days, there is included in addition that part of the island which lies east of the new channel at east pass. You will recall that when the new pass broke through the island, a small tip of the island was left east of the pass. Do not overlook this property for in time it will become quite valuable.” Sikes said the government does not look on this transfer with favor and the effort will take some effort. A new proposal for the lease of the county’s portion of Santa Rosa island has been made to the county by Deep South reality and Development Company of Prichard. This company would pay the county $2500 per year, plus 10 percent of all income from subleasing and it would agree to build a model casino and bath house facilities and a minimum of 25 cottages at a minimum of $7500 each, improve the roads and spend $150,000 on capital improvements over the next 5 years. No action has been taken so far on the proposal.

13 Aug 1950 (PNJ p-11) ———— Santa Rosa County will present a lease bid to Escambia County Commissioners next week. A delegation of citizens led by B.S. Gillman and Sam C. Cox presented an outline and recommendations for action by the commission. They pointed out that recently Okaloosa County purchased Escambia’s right s of jurisdiction to a three mile strip of Santa Rosa Island through Congressman Bob Sikes. The Okaloosa strip extends west as far as the Okaloosa County line. There are three miles of federal government jurisdiction that are south of Santa Rosa County’s line. This land lies between the eastern end of Escambia County’s 20 miles and western end of a portion of the island now under the jurisdiction of Okaloosa Island. Gillman pointed out it would be an advantage to Santa Rosa County to gain jurisdiction of a strip of Gulf frontage property of Escambia County and the Santa Rosa commissioners agreed.

16 Aug 1950 PNJ p-3) ———— Santa Rosa County officials and citizens appeared before the Escambia County commissioners to open negotiations for Santa Rosa County to acquire a portion of Santa Rosa Island. B.S. Gillman, spokesman said the county desires a 7 mile stretch lying west of the Okaloosa County line. This would take in the three miles of island that are now under government jurisdiction and 4 miles now under the jurisdiction of Escambia County.

24 Aug 1950 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Santa Rosa Island Authority voted to recommend Escambia County relinquish in favor of Santa Rosa County, the three mile strip of Santa Rosa island now under federal government control that lies on the island. The three mile strip begins approximately one mile east of Navarre. It is now under the control of the U.S. War Department. The Island Authority board made the recommendation after meeting with an 11 person delegation from Santa Rosa County who explained that the county desired that the three mile strip and in addition desires to negotiate with Escambia County for the 4 miles adjoining it. 4

B.S. Gillman, President the Milton Chamber of Commerce said Santa Rosa County plans to develop those seven miles in the same manner as Escambia County, including plans for a bridge at Navarre and road on the island to Escambia County line. (Pensacola Beach circa mid-1950’s)

25 Aug 1950 (PNJ p-4) ———– Editorial: “Dividing the Island- Escambia County, which purchased the 40-miles long Santa Rosa Island when other counties lying immediately north of it had no desire for it, has been generous in allowing these neighboring counties to precure portions of the narrow strip now destined to become a popular summer resort. First, Escambia County agreed to allow Okaloosa County to obtain 18 miles of the island lying below her boundaries. Now the Island Authority has agreed to drop its claims for three miles south of Santa rosa County. Santa Rosa County has since asked for four miles more, but the authority has taken no action on the request. Even if four miles eventually goes to Santa Rosa County, Escambia would have 16 miles left…’’ Santa Rosa island representatives pledged the formation of an authority similar to that of Escambia. Okaloosa turned down such a proposal by a citizens committee and leased the area to a private company. A matter now before the court.

3 Sept 1950 (PNJ p-1) ———— Mr. R. G. Patterson, engineer for Santa Rosa Island Authority since it was first organized in 1947 has submitted his resignation, effective Oct 1, 1950. It is understood that Patterson will enter private business in Pensacola. Mr. Patterson supervised the work development of the one-mile area located east of the casino for rental cottages and lots. He supervised the work of the area to establish a 10 foot height on the Gulf side and constructed a four foot slope to the sound side. He was the also the engineering supervisor for the $1.4 million Pensacola Beach bridge.

16 Nov 1950 (PNJ p-11) ———– Escambia County Commissioners passed a resolution releasing jurisdiction of Escambia’s claim to Santa Rosa County of a three mile strip of Santa Rosa Island. Santa Rosa County agreed to pay $150 to Escambia County for the right to the land. The next step is for Congressman Bob Sikes to introduce a bill in Congress to have the island turned over to the county for “recreational” purposes.

31 May 1951 (PNJ p-1) ———– The Florida Senate passed bill introduced by Rep. Woodrow Melvin, Milton that will extend the limits of Santa Rosa County southern boundary to include three miles of Santa Rosa Island. The 3 miles are located west of the Okaloosa County line. Melvin introduced the bill after Escambia County had sold its jurisdiction in the area to Santa Rosa County for $150. Santa Rosa County has a bill in Congress for the federal government to turn jurisdiction of the tree mile stretch to be developed as a recreational area.

19 Aug 1951 (PNJ p-6) ———- The Santa Rosa County Commissioners appointed Russell G. Patterson, consulting engineer of Pensacola, to represent the board in negotiations for four additional miles of Santa Rosa island. Santa Rosa County recently obtained 3 miles of the island extending westward from the Santa Rosa-Okaloosa County line. In return for the 4 mile island strip, the Santa Rosa County Board proposes to build a bridge across Santa Rosa sound. The plan includes construction of a highway on the island, and connecting it with Pensacola Beach. Mr. Patterson said a toll bridge in the Navarre area would enable construction and payment for the bridge and road. The location to be determined Santa Rosa County believes it needs a large share of the island to justify the bridge and road.

5 Sept 1951 (PNJ p-10)———- Santa Rosa County officials are appealing to Escambia County officials for a strip of Santa Rosa Island that they would say benefit both counties. Woodrow Melvin, state representative, was the main spokesman for the visiting group. He said the state legislature recently passed a bill for Santa Rosa County to have an island authority that duplicates the Escambia law. Melvin said the jurisdiction on the three mile strip of the island west of Okaloosa County line cannot he developed at this time because it is used by Eglin air force base. Santa Rosa is requesting a 4 mile additional strip westward and the deed held in escrow for a specific time so that if Santa Rosa county didn’t develop the island as stated the territory would return to Escambia county. The Escambia Santa Rosa island Authority instructed Santa Rosa to put their proposal in writing.

6 Oct 1951 (PNJ p-1)———- In a letter to the Escambia grand Jury involving an audit issue of the Santa Rosa Island Authority stated that the Island Authority is the first board and agency of its kind in the State of Florida and perhaps anywhere in the nation. It said, “We have no counterparts and no precedents to follow. We are learning be experience and trial and error. We frequently seek legal advice and are guided by it.”

21 Nov 1951 (PNJ p-1) ————- The Santa Rosa County Board will take into advisement a proposal for the construction of a bridge across the Escambia River, joining Escambia County and Santa Rosa County for the first time. Such proposals have been put forward several times in the past.

30 Dec 1951 (PNJ p-24) ———- More than 855.000 persons visited Pensacola Beach during CY 1951 according to the Santa Rosa Island Authority. This is 58,000 more than visited in 1950. In 1949, the attendance was 640,000 and in 1948 it was 625,000. In 1951, a total of 213,262 motor vehicles crossed the bridge. In 1950, it was 202,922 and in 1949 it was 149,821. In 1948, it was 105,941. Rental cottages have been available for the last two years with 18,500 tenants. Income for these rentals was estimated at $49,700. Nest year, 56 rental units will be added to bring the total to 104. In the residential area, 13 new homes were completed in 1951. One of the major improvements last year was the construction of a new water system from wells drilled on the Santa Rosa peninsula and is pumped across the bridge. The Island Authority has let a contract for a new spherical water tank to replace the old wooded one near the Casino. The cost will be $38,500. The Island Authority is making plans for a modern sewage disposal plant in 1952 which will cost $140,000. Work is scheduled to begin in March on a new road surfacing and cost $75,000.

15 June 1952 (PHJ p-1) ———- Sheriff R. L. Kendrick announced the appointment of two negro deputy sheriffs. The two negroes, Charlie Cheese and Charles R. Benhoe are the first two men of their race to work as deputies in Escambia County since reconstruction days.

28 Dec 1952 (PNJ p-2) ———- The Santa Rosa Island Authority has begun the construction of two-sewage disposal plants, he first to be located outside of the city limits. Sewer pipe is being laid in two separate sections. One on Santa Rosa Island and the other near Myrtle Grove. The sewage system at Santa Rosa island is estimated to cost $300,000 and would be located 1/2 mile east of the Casino Beach. The system will serve between 700 and 1,000 homes when fully developed.

16 April 1953 (PNJ p-1) ———– The Santa Rosa Authority paid high tribute to three men who played an important role in the development of the island as a recreational center. Honored in a special luncheon in the Pensacola Beach casino were Hunter Brown, Carl T. Johnson and Frank I. Parise. Brown and Johnson were original Santa Rosa Island Authority board members and Parise was an Escambia County Commissioner of District 1.

24 Sept 1953 (PNJ p-7) ———— The Escambia Santa Rosa Island Authority agreed to give Santa Rosa County a 99 year lease on four miles of the island in the vicinity of a proposed Navarre bridge linking the Santa Rosa County mainland to the island for $100. The Escambia island Authority also approved plans for the renovation of the Pensacola Beach casino and construction of a fishing pier at the beach. The land to be leased is immediately adjacent to a 3 mile area west of the present boundary line between Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, which is currently being used by the government as a bombing site. Morla rights were given to Santa Rosa County previously by Escambia County Commissioners for $150. The agreement further provided that if the four miles ever is offered for sale, Santa Rosa County may purchase the land, now under lease from Escambia County for $5,000, in addition to any price fixed by the federal government. Escambia County formally owned the island from tip to tip, but years ago sold this property to the federal government, who later gave Escambia County a lease for about 21 miles of it from the western portion of the island

9 Dec 1953 (PNJ p-2) ————- The Santa Rosa County Commission appointed the Santa Rosa Island Authority committee today. The members were Liege Williams of Holly, Maxwell Ates of Bagdad, John Malone of Milton. George Leonard of Allentown and Jack Kent of Jay. The board also created a new Precinct 12 in the Navarre community as growth continues.

1954——– No records available.

25 May 1955 (PNJ p-11) ———– The attorney for the Santa Rosa Island Authority, E. Dixie Beggs, told the Pensacola Rotary Club that the island will become the County’s greatest economic asset. He traced the Island ownership from recorded Spanish deeds, dated in 1817, to the 30 July 1946 Congressional Act that placed it under county control. Beggs pointed out that the gross receipts on commercial rental units in 1955 totaled $400,000 and its estimated that 95 percent are paid by nonresidents. He also pointed out that traffic across the sound bridge has increased 450 percent over the last four years and 34 families now have permanent homes on the island and there are 29 separate businesses enterprises. Future plans says Begs calls for the development of an additional 500 lots. Beggs said that Agreements with Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties have been reached, including a bridge at Navarre. Beggs says, that in 1929 the federal government declared part of the island as surplus east of the Quarantine Station and offered it to the City of Pensacola for $10,000. The city declined the offer to buy the land and changed their mind when Santa Rosa County expressed an interest in buying it. Beggs, says Escambia County bought the property instead. He said that in 1938,Escambia County was under the impression that the federal government would develop a National Park Service on the island, as a result the county relinquished the property but the federal government declared it a National Monument and no development occurred. In 1946, Congressman Bob Sikes and others succeeded in getting the federal government returned the land to Escambia County which was 21 miles from a point one mile west of the casino back to the east back to the east by the Congressional Act of 1946 and specified the terms and conditions of it being available for lease and recreation in the public interest

15 June 1955 (PNJ p-1) ———— The Santa Rosa Board of Commissioners agreed to put up $75, 000 a year to back construction of a proposed $2.5 million bridge to Santa Rosa island in Navarre. The money will come from an estimated $300,000 the county receives annually from the gasoline tax. Chairman of the Santa Rosa County island authority, John Malone said the commissioners action “pumped new life” into plans for an overall $3.5 million island development across the sound from Navarre. Malone told the commissioners this morning after a long discussion that the authority ‘has gotten to the crossroads now on the islands development.” He said, “it looks like it depends on whether or not you gentleman want to develop the island or not.”

+17 Nov 1955 (PNJ p-23) ———– The Santa Rosa County Island Authority is set to et with he state road Department officials to work out an agreement on financing the proposed sound bridge at Navarre. Consulting engineer, R.G. Patterson told Richard Simpson, District 3 member of the state road board that fiscal agents are working on the bridge project and have advised them that a $2.5 million bond issue will be needed for the project. Patterson said, a lease purchase agreement is needed based on the pledge of the county’s gas tax receipts for the project and is the first step for constructing the bridge and roads. What will follow is a water and sewage facility.

30 Nov 1955 (PNJ p-1) ———— The financial feasibility study of a propose od bridge at Navarre my hinge on Escambia County being willing and financially able to build a 10 mile road linking the roads on Santa Rosa Island, says State Road Department official, R.M. Hartsfield, director of revenue projects. Hartsfield said the road is essential to the success of the project and advised Santa Rosa County officials to seek a definite commitment for the construction of the road from Escambia Commissioners, if the road is to be financed through future toll earnings. The Santa Rosa delegation included John C. Malone, Ezra Johnson, R.G. Patterson and county attorney W.D. Robertson. The delegation said they have an oral pledge from Escambia County board members to construct the road to form the loop. The link is essential to support the revenues estimates from tolls said Hartsfield. The estimated road cost could be $100,000 per mile. The maximum Santa Rosa County gas tax pledge was $160,000. At issue is the bridge would begin in Santa Rosa County but legally end in Escambia County.

30 Nov 1955 (PNJ p-1)————– Financial feasibility of the proposed sound bridge at Navarre may hinge on whether Escambia County is willing and financially able to build a 10 mile road on Santa Rosa island, a state road department official said. Mr. R.M. Hartsfield, director of revenue projects told the Santa Rosa County officials he considers the road construction essential to the success of the projects planned. He advised the Santa Rosa Commissioners to seek a definite commitment for construction of the road from the Escambia Couty board.

21 Dec 1955 (PNJ p-10} ———– A resolution passed by the Escambia’s County Commission that requested that the state road department construct a primary road project of 10 miles of highway on Santa Rosa island to connect Pensacola Beach to Navarre Bridge.

11 Jan 1956 (PNJ p-1) ———– The Santa Rosa Board of Commissioners are studying a proposal to consider preliminary survey to determine the value and benefits to construct a canal through the Santa Rosa peninsula and island to link East Bay with Santa Rosa sound and a canal across Santa Rosa island to provide Milton with the shortest route to the Gulf of Mexico.

22 Feb 1956 (PNJ p-2) ————- Escambia Commissioners notified the Santa Rosa Island Authority they approved the proposed lease to deed four miles of Santa Rosa Island to Santa Rosa County for development. Santa Rosa County agrees to construct a bridge to connect the mainland to the island at Navarre beach and develop the four mile strip.

April 27, 1956 (PNJ p-9) ———– Both the Santa Rosa and Escambia County delegation presented requests for the state Department of Roads to designate the road on Santa Rosa Island from Pensacola Beach to the proposed site of Navarre Bridge as Alternate 98-A and construct a primary state road. Both county delegation said it appears as though the bonds for constructing the Navarre Sound Bridge cannot be sild unless the road is guaranteed. Both delegations also requested a four lane Hyw 98 from Pensacola Beach to Live Oak because of the heavy traffic going and coming to the beach.

10 July 1956 (PNJ p-10) ———– Mrs. Irma S. Taylor of Navarre made the first call on a telephone service in Navarre and Holly communities. J.G. Ponder, Southern Bell District plant manager said 43 miles of wire were erected at a cost of $14,722 to make the service connection.

1 July 1956 (PNJ p-1) ———– R.G. Paterson said today that construction on the Navarre Bridge seems assured as a joint meeting next week will iron out a few issues.

11 July 1956 (PNJ p-1) ————- R.G. Patterson, consulting engineer on the Santa Rosa County’s proposed island development project said today that construction of a ridge to the island appears assured. He said he had ben advised that approval has been given to an Escambia County resolution asking that 10 miles of highway be constructed through the Development Commission to tie up with the four miles of road to be built by Santa Rosa County. Santa Rosa County will float a $2.5 million revenue bond to build the bridge and 4 miles of road westward on Santa Rosa Island.

19 oct 1956 (PNJ p-24)———— State and local officials seem near to an agreement on the construction of a bridge from the mainland at Navarre to Santa Rosa island. Richard Simpson said all the issues have been resolved except one. The only question left undecided was the payment of engineering consultant fees of R.G. Patterson.

15 May 1957 (PNJ p-14) ——— Santa Rosa Island, for over three centuries “The Island” to citizens of struggling Pensacola and for 25 years “The Beach” to Northwest Floridians, has in the last seven years become a paradise for thousands of vacationing Americans. Except for its extreme ends, each at the mouth of a great bay, the island had seen limited human activities from the time of its probably discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez about 1528 until a bridge linked it to with the mainland four centuries later. In 1931 when both the Pensacola Bay and Pensacola Beach bridges were completed by a private corporation, modern development began. But after a casino and beach house and nearby recreational facilities were built development virtually ended. Just before World War II, the island was made a national monument. Then, several hundred acres just east of the old casino were built up, landscaped and subdivided. Water mains were laid, a sewage system was installed, streets paved and leases of property to private citizens and potential motels operators ensued. Then is 1953, the Santa Rosa Island Authority itself built a motel development of 55 separate cottages as a stimulus to island development. Now in addition to hundreds of private cottages today, there are about 200 rental units for tourists. Instead of selling building sites outright, the Authority offers land on 99 year leases at low annual rentals. Rental lots of east of Pensacola Beach range from $165 to $560 a year. The island is practically self-supporting except for receipt of I mill in taxes from Escambia County, which is used primarily to operate and maintain the public areas of Pensacola Beach. By pledging the income received from land rentals, other leases and revenues, the Santa Rosa Island Authority borrows money to finance public improvements as it develops the island step by step. The island revenue also supports the staff and personnel for operations of public works and maintenance of public beaches and roads.

14 Aug 1957 (PNJ p-1) ———– The Santa Rosa County Commission authorized an engineering study to determine the feasibility of a canal linking East Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound with the Gulf of Mexico. Board Chairman Albert Golden said the report will be used in an effort to interest the government in the proposed project. As tentatively planned, the canal would cut through the Santa Rosa Peninsula at the nearest point south of East Bay. It would cut through Santa Rosa Island two or three miles east of that point. Cooperation of the state road Department would be needed for the bridge and canal.

21 Oct 1956 (PNJ p-8) ————- Editorial PNJ: Lets have a free bridge! A free bridge also would solve the question of a double toll from using the sound bridge to the island, or the Navarre Bridge in Santa Rosa County to and from the island when its connected with the new island road. Escambia County purchased and freed the Bay Bridge. Yet those bridges affect Santa Rosa County as much as they do Escambia. The Bay Bridge feeds traffic to resort cities on NW Florida Coast as much as Escambia County. Therefore the cost of the bridge should be paid for by the state or with federal aid

17 Nov 1957 (PNJ p-20) ———-The scheduled Navarre Bridge completion date is late 1959 and the bridge will be two lane bridge with a three foot walkway on each side with tolls and is one and one-third of a mile long, a vertical clearance of 50 feet and 125 feet wide for boats and barrages. It will be located at Navarre at State road 87 and US Highway 98. It was financed of a 2.5 million bond for 20 years and funded by the Florida Development Commission and four miles of paved roads will be included on the island. B.G. Patterson is the engineer and construction is being done by State Road Department with construction to begin next year and it will take 18 months to complete.

14 Oct 1958 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Santa Rosa Beach Administration gave the final approval for a canal development at Navarre Beach. The plan is proposed by Russel G. Patterson, administration engineer who is also laying out 462 residential lots on the island. Most of these would be waterfront because 16 canals will be cut into Navarre Beach on the island. In addition, the name of the Milton-Gulf Beach development was changed to Navarre Beach and a million dollar bridge is planned and will be 6700 feet overall in length.

17 May 1959 (PNJ p-14) ———– Santa Rosa Island Administration advertising of Navarre Beach says leasing of residential property will be “tax free” and the plat for development was approved by the Santa Rosa County Commission. The four mile sub-lease from Escambia County will cost $100 per year. Work on the million dollar bridge includes two spans, one will be 2640 feet and the other will be 576 feet and will include a causeway. The residential lot leases will be $337.50 each. The 99 year residential leases will be renewable. The first two miles of development starting at the east end of the development will be restricted for commercial development.

7 Nov 1958 (PNJ p-7) ————- Navarre Beach Brochures are ready for distribution to 10 states, says John C. Malone, President of the Santa Rosa Beach administration. Work on the bridge is expected to begin in January. The lease price for residential lots for development will be $408 per year in the first phase of development.

30 June 1959 (PNJ p-88) ——— Milton Banker John C. Malone Jr. said an overall investment of $25,000,000 will occur in the next 10 years , incident to Navarre Bridge connecting the mainland to Santa Rosa Island. The project engineer, R.G. Patterson broke the development down into six principal phases. (1) A recreational area to include an 18 hole “pitch and putt” golf course, tennis courts, and other recreational features. (2) a public beach with a casino, restaurant, bath houses, swimming pool, boat rentals, docks, shelters, gift shops, play and picnic areas, a fishing pier, parking lots and other features. (3) A commercial area for stores, service station, shops, and public utilities. (4) Residential area for private homes. (5) Rental area for motels, auto courts, beach cottages, hotels, etc. (6) Beach club with boat dock and other facilities for primary use of residential lease holders. Bridge engineers took into consideration in the planning of the Navarre Bridge that more than 25 million people live within one day’s drive travel from this area. The Navarre Bridge will be a toll bridge. It’s been estimated that the development on Navarre Beach will produce a net of $247,000 annually in the first year. For many years, all of Santa Rosa Island was under the direct control of the U.S. Government. It was known as the Fort Pickins Military Reservation. In 1927, an Act of Congress declared 42 miles of island as “surplus property” and Escambia shortly thereafter acquired it. The west eight miles remained a military reservation. Four years later in 1931the first bridge was built to connect the mainland with the island, where Pensacola Beach and a Casino was under construction. Eighteen years later the old wooden bridge was replaced by a concrete one. However, in 1936, Escambia County deeded its part of the island to the U.S. Department of Interior. It was subsequently proclaimed a National Monument. Ten years later an Act of Congress made it possible for Escambia County to re-acquire 20 miles of the land it had deeded off to the government previously. Because of the congressional restrictions dating back to 1927, the island could not be used for “public purposes.” The restriction was finally removed in 1946. Homes, hotels, cottages and other resort facilities became possible. The Florida legislature in 1947 authorized the Santa Rosa Island Authority as an agency of Escambia County. The Act gave the county broad authority and powers to improve and develop its 20-mile property for resort and recreational purposes. The government stipulated that the land cannot be sold by the county but may lease it for 99 years with an option for renewal. Commissioners of Santa Rosa County in 1951 obtained approval of the state legislature to create the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Powers granted to it were similar to those granted to Escambia County, differing only in geographical and jurisdictional controls. In Nov 1953, the Escambia County Santa Rosa Island Authority entered into an agreement with the Santa Rosa County Board to deed four miles of eastern end of the island to Santa Rosa County. There was one main provision: Santa Rosa County must build a bridge across Santa Rosa sound at or near Navarre. Two years later, in December 1953, Santa Rosa Commissioners activated the Santa Rosa Island Authority and appointed John C. Malone, Chairman. Members of the Island Authority changed the name in 1957 to the Santa Rosa County Beach Administration. In 1958. Santa Rosa County Commissioners approved a $2.4 million revenue bond to construct the Navarre Bridge. The members of the Santa Rosa Island Beach Administration were John C. Malone Jr, Watson Jernigan, John S. Pittman, Mike Gibson, and B.L. Locklin. The attorneys were W.D, Robertson and Curtis A. Golden. The Santa Rosa County Commissioners were Albert Golden, F.M. Fisher, Wilson Witfield, Clifford Wilson and Richard Finley.

1 Jan 1960 (PNJ p-1) ———— Escambia County’s Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) manager John G Cowley of Pensacola sent a letter to W.J. Wells Jr, Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Commission. Crowley wrote the letter after a series of articles concerning a proposal by four men to lease a major portion of Santa Rosa County’s four mile stretch of the island published in the Pensacola News. Cowley’s letter offered the aid of Escambia County SRIA in studying the proposal lease agreement made to the Santa Rosa board. He said, “The terms of the lease agreement between the two county boards indicate the Escambia Authority (SRIA) would also have to give its okay to any such agreement, involving major area’s of the island property to avoid possible legal entanglements.” The four man investment group have asked for leases on 150 lots, and a option on 150m more and two 750 foot motel sites.

7 Jan 1960 (PNJ p-1) ————– Leasing agreements of residential and commercial lots are being signed today on Navarre Beach. Yesterday 114 residential lease of lots on Navarre Beach were signed and 57 were on the Gulf side and Gulf view areas. one motel commercial lot was signed as well.

3 Feb 1960 (PNJ p-1) ———– Escambia County’s Santa Rosa Island Authority vetoed Santa Rosa County’s proposal to lease four additional miles o Santa Rosa Island from Escambia County for $100 per year. The SRIA pointed out that the same property could bring in thousands of dollars a year for Escambia County through rentals and private firms. Joe Marques Jr., vice president of the board also referred to a previously established policy f he board, which says that no less than six miles, or one-forth of the total island property, whichever is greater, is to be left in an undeveloped state.

14 August 1960 (PNJ p-1)——— The last section of the Navarre Bridge was poured yesterday. Actually there are two separate bridges across the sound. The first one leading from U.S. 98 is 2,,640 feet long and the second one is 576 feet long. The bridge was designed that way to provide to equalize the tide flow on both sides of the sound says Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman W.J. Wells Jr. The estimated cost of the bridge was set at $928,000 but construction of the cause way brought the total cost up to $2 million. The bridge height near the center is at 50 feet. Work continues of building a 15 mile paved road from Navarre Bech to Pensacola Beach. The agreement to build it was made in 1953. The current member of the Santa Rosa Beach Administration are Ted May, John Pittman of Jay; Nolan Rogers and Kelly Smith of Bagdad; Ed Bonifay of Gulf Breeze; W. .J Wells Jr. of Holley; Holley Spencer, Watson Jernigan and Maurice Presley all of Milton.

24 Aug 1960 (PNJ p-2) ——— Santa Rosa Island Authority voted to recommend that Escambia County relinquish in favor of Santa Rosas County, the three mile strip of Santa Rosa Island now under government control and lying between the Escambia County and Okaloosa lines on the island. The three mile stretch lies about one mile east of Navarre. Escambia County had previously asked Congressman Bob Sikes to introduce a bill in congress to have the area returned to Escambia County. The request will now be withdrawn and the recommendation to turn it over to Santa s County

26 Aug 1960 (PNJ p-1) ——— There is a feasibility study on the drawing board for developing water facilities and sewer plants that need to be addressed. Construction of an $800,000 water system from wells will be delivered to Navarre Beach from nearby Fort Walton.

11 Dec 1960 (PNJ p-1) ———– Congressman Bob Sikes dedicated the new Navarre Bridge yesterday near the Santa Rosa Sound. The bridge approach cost $1.5 million. Escambia County spent $60,000 for its 11 mile portion of the road project to connect the bridge to Pensacola Beach. Fourteen miles of the island is now available for development. Congressman Sikes, recalled that the day was Carl Sandburg’s birthday with this quote in his speech; ”I see America, not as sitting sun of black night of despair ahead of us. I see America in a crimson light of a rising sun, fresh from the burning creative hand of God. I see great days ahead, and great days possible to men and women of vision.”

12 Dec 1960 PNJ (p-8) ———– The dedication of the new Santa Rosa island road to Pensacola Beach and the Navarre Bridge fulfilled the third phase of the dream of Santa Rosa Island Authority. The dream of J.H. Sherill, Hunter Brown, J. D. Johnson, Ed Lee and Carl Brown. Their dream was of the 1946 to 1952 era and included (1) Development of the area around Pensacola Beach as a recreation beach area; (2) Construction of a new Pensacola Beach Bridge, (3) Building a road to Navarre with a bridge at that point. Why Navarre? It was a natural location and the center of the economic area. Carl Johnson was the originator of the idea. The chief obstacle was the Air Force and local politics. Official dedication on Dec 10th and 11^th.

8 March 1961 (PNJ p-4) ———- As the editor See’s It! Don Litogan, – In part: Seldom does a week pass in which there are no new details about some development or project under discussion for a portion of Santa Rosa Island. At the western end, the attention appears centered around Pensacola Beach Villa Sabine area, Fort Pickens State Park or the extension east along the new Gulf View highway. In the central portion of the lengthy glorified sandbar, attention is concentrated around the development by Santa Rosa County in Navarre Beach district. But the programs in the Navarre area are much more indefinite. Part of this is due to the lack of experience of the Santa Rosa Beach Authority, and uncertainty over the program may prove unfeasible or desirable. In this connection. A little booklet has come across my desk describing dreams of 31 years ago entitled “Santa Rosa County, Florida, Resources and opportunities” It was issued by the Santa rosa County Board of Commissioners, in 1930. It says, “As the first step in developing the Santa Rosa Peninsula with its splendid beaches, the Peninsula Beach corporation, composed of capitalists from Minneapolis, New York, Chicago and other northern cities, are building a $2 million concrete and steel bridge across the Pensacola Bay from the City of Pensacola to the west end of the Santa Rosa peninsula in Santa Rosa County. This bridge will be about 3 miles long and it will provide a Bascule type draw bridge to prevent large vessels passing through. The bridge will be completed about November 1930. The same corporation is planning g the development of the west end of Santa Rosa peninsula in Santa Rosa County. Landscaping architects have laid out this district with well-planned streets, providing for a 32 hole golf course, a yacht basin, which will be a natural land locked harbor for pleasure craft. Clubhouses, two large hotels, amusement park as well as residential lots for homes. Bathing pavilions and dance halls will be provided. A free bridge will be constructed over the Santa Rosa Sound to Santa Rosa island and free fishing pier extended out into the Gulf for public use. This recreational and residential district on the Westend of the peninsula and the sound bridge will connect to state road 53 and state road 10” (Later named highways 98 and highway 90). But plans change! None of that exists today! As a result those predicted developments proved to be mere dreams, not realities.

13 April 1961 (PNJ p-2) ———– The great white Navarre Beach bridge was predicted to provide the backdrop for a major island development which was expected to augment the economy of Santa Rosa County. Despite incessant efforts of the previous beach administration the development is no further ahead. Meanwhile, county commissioners and other concerned county officials are looking at the county’s pledge to pay $160,000 a year for 30 years taken from road funds to meet the minimum annual bond payments. The Santa Rosa engineer, Russel G Patterson had estimated the bridge in the first year would produce a net operating revenue stream of $54,000 per year, but so far only a trickle of cars cross the bridge daily. The Santa rosa Beach Administration is specifically concerned over an admitted ability to finance further island development.. In addition, a number of financers have taken the position, No Development, No Underwriting!” (Note: $160,000 X 30 years= $ 4.8 million)

7 July 1961 (PNJ p-26) ———- Water from a deep well drilled on Santa Rosa Island opposite Navarre was approved by the state board of health. Santa Rosa county engineer W. H. Baskerville said state officials found 87 parts chloride per million and maximum salt content allows for water to be 250 parts per million. Baskerville said, “Sulfur was found in the water but can easily be removed.”

12 July 1961 (PNJ p-1) ———- Dr. Charles J Heinberg was elected mayor of the newly incorporated City of Gulf Breeze with a total of 342 votes who was the high vote getter among 22 candidates. Four Councilman were elected: Allen Davis; Wayne Lee; Michael E Bintz an John Schiff, with a total of 631 votes cast.

21 July 1961 (PNJ p-35) ———— Two Santa Rosa County Commissioners, Chairman Wilson Whitfield and Ezra Johnson said they will not officially approve the minutes of March 24, 1961, meeting granting a natural gas franchise to the Navarre Gas Corp. The franchise rights took in Holley and Navarre and extended westward along U.S. 98 to the Live Oak reservation line. Johnson said, he had asked on the 24^th of granting a 99 year lease franchise in any way would affect the people of Gulf Breeze and was told No!” Johnson also said, “In any case, Gulf Breeze ought to be protected for a distance of 5 miles east of its corporate limits.” Chairman Whitfield also expressed his dissatisfaction. The proposed franchise gives Santa Rosa County 3 percent of the net profits for the first 3 years and 3 percent of the gross operating profits thereafter.

22 Sept 1961 (PNJ p-2) ———– Santa Rosa County engineer, W. H. Baskerville says Noonan Construction Company of Pensacola will begin the initial development on Santa Rosa island in about 10 days. The Noonan bid was $371,500 and includes the Navarre Beach water lines to serve some 200 homes and a sewage plant, two canals and excavations. Baskerville also announced that the Navarre Beach Development corporation has begun construction on the first 150 residents scheduled to be built. The firm presently holds the lease agreements on 75 Gulf-front lots, with options on 75 more. According to William Rosaco III, a member of the beach administration said, “We hope to build at least 30 homes per year and also said negotiations will soon get underway to construct a 750 foot pier with lease holder Fred Newton of Pensacola.” Another lease has been awarded to the Navarre Marine Corporation, he said.

3 Oct 1961 (PNJ p-3)————– A proposal to construct a sea level canal across the Santa Rosa peninsula to connect to East Bay and then to Santa Rosa sound continues to receive considerable attention from some Santa Rosa county leaders. W. J. Wells Jr. of Holley announced plans to form a 5000 member group to undertake the project is a new development on the idea. A feasibility study was made in 1958 by the late R. G. Patterson. Some studies say it’s entirely possible, also he says it’s also possible to restore the oyster beds and sea grass that ranked favorable with the Apalachicola oysters in appearance and quality that once existed here in the 1920’s. Mr. W. H. Patterson had proposed cutting a canal through the Santa Rosa Island east of the Navarre Bridge.

5 Nov 1961 (PNJ p-18) ———- Six homes, none of which have been built have been sold on Navarre Beach to date.

5 June 1962 (PNJ p-13) ———– The Gulf Breeze City Council began laying out the groundwork to build a year around Recreation Center for teenagers near Santa Rosa park, provided the city will approve a lease on the park property.

16 June 1962 (PNJ p-5) ———-Construction began on the building of a 750 foot fishing pier into the Gulf of Mexico at Navarre Beach. The pier property has been leased to the Navarre Beach Marine Corp for 20 years of operation.

21 Nov 1962 (PNJ p-19) ———–The Santa Rosa Beach Administration approved plans for the construction of a $400,000 motel on Navarre Beach. The plans call for 51 units initially but could expand to 160 if demand improves.

13 March 1963 (PNJ p-1)————- An agreement has been reached that provides for the Santa Rosa island authority to lease the Pensacola Beach Bridge from the Floridia State Road department. The island authority will be able to use the bridge toll funds to finance maintenance and operation of the bridge, which will average about $45,000 per year.

12 April 1963 (PNJ p-1) ————– The new 800 foot fishing pier is scheduled to open Friday at Navarre Beach, says manager Ira Wells.

9 June 1963 (PNJ p-35) ———— The Navarre Beach Avenue of states development was dedicated as part of Pensacola’s fiesta of five Flags with 20 VIP’s from other states including seven governors.

24 July 1963 (PNJ p-13) ————- Holly Spencer survived a second attempt to oust him from his position of manager of the Santa Rosa County Beach Administration. The second round also resulted in a reduction of lease rates from $500 to $250 on five waterfront and five non-waterfront lots for six months to “stimulate” development at Navarre Beach . Administration member Frank Seidel, for the second time in two weeks, made a motion to abolish the manager’s position since the administration has no money to pay Mr. Spencer’s salary. Seidel’s motion was seconded by Carl Barnard, but was defeated in a 4-2 vote. In both meetings, Chairman John C. Malone Jr. was not present at the meetings, but reportedly had promised to be there.

25 Sept 1963 (PNJ p-7) ————– Who has police jurisdiction of Navarre Beach? The four mile strip of Santa Rosa Island is owned by Escambia County but is leased to Santa Rosa County. It turns out that Sheriff Wayne Cobb doesn’t even know. The Santa Rosa County Board of commissioners decided to lease the 4 mile strip from Escambia County to allow liquor sales on the island, being Santa Rosa County is dry. Still, Escambia County’s Health Department has jurisdiction on the island for restaurants and other health issues like water quality.

27 Feb 1964 (PNJ p-4) ———— Santa Rosa County Beach Administration accepted manager Holley Spencer’s resignation Tuesday and has started acquiring information on the building of a $50,000 casino on Navarre Beach. Spencer told the administration board it was his intention to resign in January unless he received better financial arrangements and that he was already owed over $7,000 in back pay and travel expenses.

2 August 1964 (PNJ p-84-89) Advertisement—– Tourism has become big business in Northwest Florida and its getting bigger on what’s now called the “Miracle Strip”, which is described as a 100 mile long ribbon of resorts along the gulf of Mexico from Pensacola to Panama City Beach. Today vacations bring more than $75 million to Northwest Florida each year. In 1962, a group of business leaders in tourism formed the Miricle Strip Council to work together to promote the beaches for tourism. Holton Hudson, is the first president of the group.

14 Oct 1964 (PNJ p-12) ———— The Santa Rosa County Commission tabled the decision on selling $160,000 bond to finance the construction of a new casino on Navarre Beach. The commissioners discussed the possibility of borrowing an additional $40,000 for construction of a canal across Santa Rosa Island. Administration chairman William Rosasco III proposed the casino and lease committee chairman, James Ward said negotiations were continuing for a $2.7 million motel proposed by a group of local financiers.

Administrative member, W.J. Wells Jr, said the Navarre Beach area now has some law enforcement jurisdiction since a Santa Rosa constable has been given jurisdiction for law enforcement since Escambia County has agreed to deputize him since Escambia County legally owns the property and Santa Rosa County only lease’s it.

29 Oct 1964 (PNJ p-20) ———– The Santa Rosa Board Administration instructed engineer Willam Baskerville to prepare plans requesting a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of engineers to build a canal across the Santa Rosa Island at Navarre after approving a $200,000 bond issued, of which $40,000 would be for the canal construction.

1 Nov 1964 (PNJ p-4) ———- Santa Rosa County Commissioner, has pointed out that the Santa Rosa Island development has resulted in more and more and more debt and development. First he says, was the bridge, then a casino, water and sewer, a fishing pier, and now a canal 1600 feet long and nine feet deep by 100 foot wide canal to allow fishing boats access to deep water Snapper reefs that according to the U.S. government are only 12 miles off shore at Navarre. The proposed casino would be 6400 square feet, front the beach, have a covered board walk , both houses, life guards, and concession stands according to administrative engineer Willaim Baskerville’s plans that could be completed by 1965. In addition, an investment group in Pensacola is planning a $3.5 million, 14 story motel to contain a convention sized meeting room, swimming pool, 300 rooms, shops, bars and a package liquor store.

7 Nov 1964 (PNJ p-9) ————- A proposed $40,000 canal across Santa Rosa Island at Navarra Beach was approved by the State of Florida’s Internal Improvement fund committee. Santa Rosa County Beach Administration will issue a $20,000 bond to finance the proposed project that includes a casino on the beach. The next step says William Baskerville of the IIF administrative engineer is to get approval from the Army of Corps of engineers.

31 Jan 1965 (PNJ p-30) ———— The Santa Rosa Beach Administration was granted a permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge a 200 foot wide canal, 9 feet deep, 1600 feet long across Santa Rosa island at Navarre says Chairman William Rosasco. The permit was granted over the objections of the Santa Rosa island Authority of Escambia county, which controls Pensacola Beach for alleged erosion of the beach. The corps of Engineers permit called for jetties of 1050 feet on the east and a 900 foot jetty on the west side of the canals Gulf entrance to control beach erosion. The Santa Rosa Commission had only provided $40,000 of funding for the digging of the canal.

21 July 1965 (PNJ p-3) ————- Admiral L. C. Simpler, who was instrumental in obtaining a construction permit from the U.S. Army corps of engineers for the Navarre pass has asked for help from the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory of the University of California who published an article on using atomic energy to excavate a proposed canal across Central America. Simpler suggested that the Researchers might get some cratering experience at Navarre and he offered to help get authorization for The project. The Santa Rosa Beach administration proposed excavating a 200 foot wide canal, nine feet deep, and about 1600 feet across the Santa Rosa Island.

25 July 1963 (PNJ p-38) ———— The Santa Rosa Beach Administration is offering leased residential home site lots and commercial lots with water access on the new canal that is under construction across Santa Rosa island. The site will also offer 250 homesite leases. About 60 of these sites have Gulf of Mexico frontage.

26 July 1965 (PNJ p-1)————- Florida Supreme Court Justice, Millard Caldwell, and former governor of Florida dedicated the small but potentially important Navarre Canal through Santa Rosa island. Caldwell called it a significant step forward to progress. Over 50 state and local dignitaries were present for the ceremony. Caldwell said, “I am not sure just where we are going nor what life will bring in 10 or 20 or 50 years from now. But it’s clear that the old ideas of thrift and virtue, the old laws of supply and demand and the old concepts of local self-government and individual responsibility have been discarded. The changes in the last 30 years have been staggering. The imagination and that of our present way of life bears little relationship to what has gone before.” He went on to say, “Our forefathers would be astounded

by the insidious encroachment of centralized government in our day to day living. We must count the cost of all the politically inspired humanitarian claptrap and be sure we’re willing to pay the price in freedom, liberty and in dependence.” Local officials expect the canal will be the spark igniting a rash of construction on Navarre beach and become a deep water fishing port.

16 Sept 1965 (PNJ p-21) ———- Norman Simmons, assistant curator of Pensacola Historical Society Museum said, “Artifacts for the first time link the Spanish settlers of Santa rosa Island to the mainland.” The historic find is located in the parking lot of the law firm of Harrell, Middlebrook, Carol & Wiltshire at 115 East Government Ave. after three weeks of digging, a number of pottery shards, old bottles, and a Spanish real coin was found. The Spanish built a settlement on the mainland in 1750 and a hurricane hit it in 1752. A number of Spanish settlers had built a Mission on Santa Rosa Island and the settlement moved to the mainland in 1756.

• Two months ago the 1600 foot Navarre Pass canal linking the Gulf of Mexico with Santa Rosa sound was dedicated and is now in danger of being covered in sand. Last week, Hurricane Betsy created a lot of erosion on the beach. William Baskerville, engineer for Santa Rosa County administration said, “We haven’t did any soundings since the hurricane, but the canal is about 50% wider.” The Santa Rosa County Commissioners had passed a resolution asking Rep. bob Sikes to introduce legislation to authorize the U.S. Maritime Commission to donate two Liberty ships for use as jetties at the mouth of the pass. The canal coat $27,737 to dig and was dedicated on 25 July 1965 and it was 9 feet deep and 100 feet wide then.

5 Nov 1965 (PNJ p-50) ———– The Navarre Pass is no more. About 100 feet of sand with a wall of 6 to 8 feet of sand blocks the canal and now separates the Gulf of Mexico from the sound. The cost of digging the canal was $29,737 but hurricane Betsy had other ideas and closed the canal with shifting sand that moved across the canal that had no jetties. About one half of the 1600 foot canal is filled with sand now.

4 Jan 1966 (PNJ p-10) ———– According to the Santa Rosa Island Authority there was 1,069,576 motor vehicles that crossed the Pensacola Beach Bridge to Santa Rosa island in 1965. This is an increase of 53,627 over 1964. In 1958, the number was 640,447.

22 Jan 1967 PNJ (p-41) ————– After 18 months, the Navarre Pass channel that cut through Santa Rosa island at Navarre is still closed despite attempts to reopen it. Since it opened in August 1965 the Beach administration has opened pavilions at a cost of $140,000.

23 March 1966 (PNJ p-12) The Santa Rosa Beach Administration voted to rezone the area adjacent to the canal at Navarre Beah for a trailer, camping and tenting facilities.

25 July 1965 PNJ p-39 ———— In 1960, Santa Rosa County and the Santa Rosa Beach Administration approved a $2.5 million revenue bond to build the Navarre Beach bridge, roads and the water and sewer plant on the island. In 1961, the Navarre Water and sewer works was dedicated at a cost of $250,000. In 1963, the Avenue of streets and the 800 foot Navarre Beach pier was completed.

27 July 1966 (PNJ p-5) ————- Mr. Jack Cowley, manager of the Santa Rosa Island Authority presented a 35 year development plan for Santa Rosa Island to the Santa Rosa County Commission and Santa Rosa Beach Administration. Cowley says the islands development hinges on construction of another bridge joining the mainland to the island with another bridge at Big Sabine Point, which is about 5 miles east of Pensacola Beach. Crowley predicted the authority would have income of $3.7 million by 2000. Included in the seven step plan were school facilities’, shopping centers, a golf course, air strip, marinas and Motel/Hotel and residence areas.

31 Aug 1966 (PNJ p-9) ———— The Santa Rosa Beach Administration authorized its engineer to prepare plans for a 40 acre travel trailer and camp ground site facility at the west end of the existing water and sewer system on Navarre Beach. Chairman L.. C. Simpler said the administration is going to apply to the federal government for matching funds under the new Recreation law. He said, he is “hopeful” the amount will be enough to reopen the Navarre Pass.

19 Oct 1966 (PNJ p-5A) ———— The Santa Rosa Island Authority Board of Directors recommended that the Florida State Road Department reduce the tolls buy 50% on the Santa Rosa Beach bridge from $7.50 to $3.75 for island residence and concessionaries.

22 Oct 1967 (PNJ p-11) ———- Two decades ago, visitors to Pensacola Beach could only find a parking lot, a casino and nothing else east of west except white sand beach and blue-green Gulf of Mexico water. Since then, the Santa Rosa Island Authority as spent $10 million in development to update the casino and parking lots. By the end of 1957, there were 300 homes

on the island and 500 motel units on the island. Last year nearly 4 million visitors came to the island.

28 Dec 1967 (PNJ p-2) ———- A suit to cancel leases held by Navarre Beach Corp has been filed in Escambia Circuit Court by the Santa Rosa Beach Administration. The suit filed in Escambia County says Santa Rosa Beach Administration leased 265 lots at Navarre Beach Corp on Jan 6, 1960. The company obtained a 99 year lease on the property for development, The Santa Rosa Beach administration asked for cancelation of the leases because of alleged failure of payment by the company as originally agreed upon.

10 Dec 1968 (PNJ p—1) ———– Thirty-one witnesses testified in favor of establishing a Gulf Islands National Seashore at a congressional hearing at a house committee meeting on the subject. The proposed bill would place four islands in Mississippi as well as Santa Rosa Island, Live Oak Reservation, military forts and other historic sites in a National Park operated by the National Park Service. Escambia Commissioners, with Sam Armour as spokesman, had endorsed the proposed Seashore Park but asked that a portion of the Santa Rosa island between Fort Pickens and Eglin Airn Force base property be excluded. A shoreline of about 20 miles. Armour said, “We believe we can do a better job of developing Santa Rosa island than the federal government can do.” Rep. Aspinall commentary on the request for exemptions said, “You cannot have your cake and eat it too!”

13 Dec 1968 (PNJ p-1) ——— The Santa Rosa County Island Authority was instructed by the Escambia County commissioners to cease issuing leases on property lying east of the present development until some kind of action is taken on the Gulf Island National Seashore Bill. Commissioner Armour said, the commission needs to know exactly how, when and where the new management intends to manage the seashore. and “We need to know what the intentions of the government are as to development this year, next year and the next 100 years. In a National Park there is no freedom of choice since the government is in complete control.”

14 Dec 1968 (PNJ p-2) ———– The Escambia County Commission voted to remove all “private property” signs from the beach. Ed Hummel, associate director of the National park Service in Washington responded to the Pensacola News Journal telephone call. Hummel had said “If they keep hacking away there will be nothing left for a seashore. The best thing to do now is convince the local governing bodies that development must stop; the county must be convinced that all undeveloped lands would come under the National Seashore proposal.” He added, “The county will make the decision. A seashore administered by the Park Service or continue leasing public land through the county authority. I would suggest that the Congressional committee would look more favorable on this seashore area project if the community could convince the county board that it should not continue leasing. The commissioners must decide if they want private development or National Seashore, not both.”

22 March 1969 PNJ p-2 ————- Escambia County commissioners decided to take no action on the proposed Gulf Shore National Seashore Park until the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce completes its study and makes recommendations. Congressman Bob Sikes who plan is to introduce the National Seashore Bill into congress and told the commissioners that 8 miles of Santa Rosa Island should be included in the seashore bill and if they offer only 4.7 miles the bill would likely be dead on arrival. Sikes said, “If you bulldoze all the dunes down and fill the beaches with commercial enterprises, regardless of how attractive that commercial enterprises will be, you will have lost the real beauty of NW Florida’s seashore.”

30 March 1969 (PNJ p-17) ———– Guest opinion, in part: Snow White shorelines, washed by the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, miles of sand dunes and lots of room for visitors. But the island is in danger. Progress is called motels, restaurants, housing development, service stations, novelty shops and other fringe businesses that destroy natural beauty. A group called Citizens for the Gulf Islands National Seashore are mounting. Richard A. Turner is the Chairman and he has a petition with 5380 residents of Escambia County who agree with him. The National Seashore includes Santa Rosa Island and extends 40 miles. Santa Rosa island is the gem. Look at Panama Beach (30A, Miramar Beach, Destin, Orange Beach today) Is that what you want? E.W. Hopkins Jr. is not a member of the Santa Rosa Citizens for National Seashore. He is a member of the Santa Rosa Island Authority, which controls the island and its future. He says, “I don’t think the island is a place for apartments and other kinds of buildings that under present setup escape the tax rolls of the county.” Hopkins thinks its “ridiculous” and “absurd to issue 99 year leases for buildings on Santa Rosa Island.” He says, “I would like to see the Park Service back off its demand for Escambia to give up the rest of its land on the island.”

12 April 1969 (PNJ p-4) ——— Editorial: During the same period of the Santa Rose Island Authority was continuing to expand the privileged with tax free communities they were creating Santa Rosa Island. The residents and businesses who occupied the lad on Santa rosa island are exempt from paying county ad valorum taxes on Escambia County schools millage assessments. This year most property owners in Escambia county will pay $13,463,322 in county taxes to support schools and provide service and run public facilities.

16 May 1969 PNJ- P-1 ———- James S Lay, Chairman of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Committee on the Gulf Island National Seashore study says those members of the Chamber who leaked the groups vote to not support the National Seashore Park on Santa Rosa Island lack integrity. Lay expressed particular displeasure at Michael DeMarko, attorney and chairman of Citizens for Gulf Island National Seashore Committee. Lay said “We are not a public body. We are a Chamber of Commerce group and accountable only to the Chamber of commerce board of Directors”.

• The Pensacola Historical Commission voted to reject the recommendation to keep Fort Pickens as a state park and said, It should be a part of the Gulf Island National Seashore Park.” The historical commission also o said, “It would be impossible for the state historical commission to maintain the state park without proper long term funding.”

20 May 1969 -PNJ P-1 ———- Escambia County commissioners have no immediate reaction on the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce against the establishment of a National Seashore Park on Santa Rosa Island. The 39 page report recommended that “at the present time no Escambia County property should be placed in the National Seashore Park system.” It also recommended that the Santa Rosa Island Authority should stop any further leasing until the Chamber of Commerce completed its study and that legal procedures should be brought into play to control the SIRA back under County control.

6 June 1969 (PNJ p-1) ——— Fish kill runs in millions in Pensacola Bay. Florida Gov. Claude Kirk called on the federal government for help and ordered the state pollution experts investigate the latest fish kill. The latest is the third fish kill since May 21^st in Escambia County Bay. Damage to the fish, oysters and shrimp has been estimated in the millions. Tests show extremely high oxygen depletion in the water in the Mulato Bayo’s area. The pollution commission cited Escambia Chemical, Cyanamid, Newport Division of Tenneco Chemical and Ashland Chemical companies polluting the Bay.

• The Citizens for Gulf Island National Seashore Committee today announced they are seeking signatures on a petition and demanding Santa Rosa Island be included in the National Seashore park. Michael J. Demarko, Chairman of the committee said that they have already obtained 5500 signatures with little effort and would seek 15,000 petition signers to move forward on the proposal.

24 Jan 1970 (PNJ p-4) ———- Editorial opinion, in part: Prevost Coulter- With the surge of development and Beach front values soaring, motel owners tried to fence off property to the high mean waterline and made claims on beach privacy. It took months to find a compromise and the offer to cede 7.5 miles of Gulf shoreline to the National Park Service, but the Santa Rosa Island Authority, a creature of appointment of the county commission rose in defiance and voted against its parents and continued to facilitate leasing of vacant seashore frontage. The Island Authority defended its contrary position by citing the legislative Act creating it. The Act itself, turned out had created the Authority as an autonomous body answerable to no one. Consequently, the sole decision rested with it alone. These administrative creatures were created to buffer the elective local officers in functions which is controversial and damaging to republican democracy. As the Pensacola Journal wrote on Oct 13, 1968, in urging the adoption of the Seashore Park: “There is no easy formula to achievement; there is no simple way to surmount the obstacles constantly encountered in the quest for the creation of living monuments for the benefit of generations unborn.”

7 March 1970 (PNJ p-10) ———- Sea Oats, a strange breed of grass, native to Santa Rosa island and other Guld Seashores are among the best dunes builders. Their principle weapon is the rhizomes, or underground stems that form a subterranean network for survival. As the sand smothers sea oats they will rapidly send out rhizomes to ensure they propagate. Sea Oats are the principle stabilizer of the beach sand on Santa Rosa Island says biologist William Bennett at Pensacola Jr. College. Dr. Edmisten of the University of West Florida says there are at least 13 forms of plant life on the island, including herb rosemary, all uniquely tied to the habitat of the island dunes and sand. Broomsage and Sea oats grow in profusion when undisturbed. Grasses, herbs and flowing plants hold the sand around the roots and pines and oaks. They all work together as a team to hold the dunes and sand in place.

3 April 1970 (PNJ p-20 ————- A proposal for a central water system in Holley-Navarre will be submitted to the Farmers Home Administration and Escambia/ Santa Rosa Regional Planning Council says Horace Moore, administrator county director. Edwin L. Wells, President of the Regional Central system said, “Two-hundred and thirty-five of an anticipated 300 customers have registered with the Holley-Navarre Association proposal.

19 April 1970 (PNJ p-16) ———– Editorial opinion in part,: Paul Jasper – The development of Santa Rosa Island Authority and Santa Rosa Island administration to the National Park Service are “proposals”. Neither plan is definite. These two philosophies are decidedly different. The Santa Rosa Island Authority looks to the future of Santa Rosa Island as a community of 14,395 permanent residents. Thus, the future (envisioned by) the Santa Rosa Island Authority would be a community whose economic impact would be highly reserved for public use, with no apparent concern for preservation of beaches and natural surroundings. These areas would be highly developed and have a propriety for residential and commercial development. The Park Service is concerned with preserving the historical areas, with conserving beaches, dunes and wildlife, as well as providing the general public with large areas for recreation. The economic impact would be from tourists who come here to the area, not because of the heavily commercialized recreational facilities, but because of the unique (and elsewise disappearing) seascape. The tourist accommodations would be vertical spaces (using a smaller area) with the horizonal space for public recreation. Park representatives have stated “ The Park is very, very much concerned about the possible loss of beaches… the forts, the Live Oak Reservation, and the islands in Mississippi. The nation would be grateful to us all if we could preserve this for them in one manner or another. This land should be dedicated to intensive public use… Escambia County has the only area, publicly owned, readily accessible and extensively used by the public that is included in this pending bill. The report bears out the fact that it is in the best interest of the public to preserve the remaining underdeveloped areas of Santa Rosa Island… From the information gathered by the various Seashore committees.” It is and was an issue of being the greatest good for the greater number.

20 May 1970 (PNJ p-3) —————- A proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of submerged land belonging to the state except when proven such sale is in the “public interest” was adopted by the house 73 -31. Rep John Middlemas of Panama City will place the vote on the ballot on Nov 3. Middlemas says, “We are doing one thing by this proposed amendment. We are saying that we do not sell public land, submerged or not, owned by the people without their consent.” He called it the Conservation of Sea Shore measure.

3 June 1970 (PNJ p-28) ————– The governors state cabinet unanimously adopted a policy banning the future sale or lease of state owned land except “in the public interest”, says Gov Claude Kirk. The policy requires an applicant to “affirmatively demonstrate” that the sale or lease of public lands is int the public interest. The resolution will be placed on the ballot in the General Election on Nov 3.

26 June 1970 (PNJ p-20) ————– Escambia County Commissioner Sam Armour took issue with a Department of Interior proposed amendment to the Gulf Islands National Seashore Bill cosponsored by congressman Bob Sikes and William Comer of Mississippi. The proposed amendment apparently allow the Sec of Interior to eventually acquire all the land on Santa Rosa Island. Armour saying, “We can’t live with that!” However, he considers it a recommendation. The Escambia County Commission resolution offered for inclusion into the bill 7.5 miles of Escambia County Santa rosa island beginning at the Navarre Beach boundary and running westward to the Big Sabine. The commission was also contingent on the provision that the Naval Live Oak Reservation in Gulf Breeze, presently in litigation, be included in the Seashore, and satisfactory arrangements be made to relocate the University of West Florida property presently within the 7.5 mile zone.

12 July 1970 (PNJ p-20) —————- Contrary to the Santa Rosa Island Authority who opposed creating a National Sea Shore Park, the PNJ recommended its creation by voters on a straw poll to support the creation of the National Seashore Park based on the explicit language in the federal government conveyance of the island to Escambia county that required it “for such purposes as it shall see deem it to be in the public interest of it, be based on it from time to time. Provided further, however, that nothing herein should prevent the said county from conveying said property back to the federal government or the state of Florida or any agency thereof” including “Parks.”

22 Oct 1970 (PNJ p-4) ————– PNJ recommended approval on Amendment 4 to the state constitution on a provision to effect the sale of sovereign lands under navigable waters owned by the state and can only be sold when “not contrary to the public interest.”

8 Nov 1970 (PNJ p-18) ————- Last Tuesday the voters of Escambia County approved of the idea of turning over 7.5 miles of Pensacola Beach inclusion by a two to one vote margin in the Gulf Island National Seashore, to go along with Fort Pickens State park, the Live Oaks Naval Reservation, the eastern end of Perido Key and eventually a long strip held by Eglin Air force Base. This means the effective control of the three areas will pass into the hands of the National Park.

29 Dec 1970 (PNJ p-1) ———- The Gulf Islands National Park bill passed by the Senate will provide $18 million to buy land and develop the seashore. The Bill will set up a National Seashore along the Gulf Coast and is the 8^th National Seashore created over the last 10 years. Two major opponents of the bill were the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce who pushed hard for commercial development of the 7.5 miles of Santa Rosa island. The News Journal editor, Earle J. Bowden first proposed the National Seashore concept for Santa Rosa Island in an editorial five years ago.

25 April 1971 (PNJ p-21) ———- Viewpoint, in part,. Tom Bell; Death of an Island. Santa Rosa island, 50 miles of a narrow sand barrier island that extends from Destin’s east pass to the mouth of Pensacola Bay. It is a barrier against encroaching waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The island is capped with unique systems of dunes, is protected against erosion in all seasons by the very delicate balance of indigenous vegetation. Too much of the island is being destroyed. Dunes have been leveled and vegetation scrapped away by bull dozers for motels, homes and places of amusement. The existence of the remaining dunes is now threatened by the “Dune Buggy.” It’s a prefect instrument of destruction of the vegetation and the environment.

August 1971 (PNJ p-1) ———- Santa Rosa Leaseholders Association members are up tight as the local legislative delegation is tightening up the loop holes of taxpayers. During the last session of the Florida legislature, a bill was passed relating to ad valorum taxation and exemptions was passed and signed into law by Gov. Reubin Askew. The legislation permits the levying of property taxes on Santa Rosa island, here to for being a free lunch. Each lease holder, commercial and residential, must pay an annual lease fee to the island authority. The property had been leased with the stipulation that no ad valorem tax would be levied in addition to the lease rental fee. Residential leases for up to 99 years and renewal and commercial leases for up to 30 years. Still all the more confusing now according to legal experts.

23 January 1972 (PNJ p-18) ———- Editorial PNJ- in part- The Gulf Island Seashore evolved over five years ago. A step in the right direction has moved reality closer as the state of Florida transferred Fort Pickens State Park to the National Park Service for inclusion into the Seashore National Park system. This leaves, for the time being, for the area, only the transfer of Escambia County-owned property on Santa Rosa Island to the National park Service, which is a county commission decision. Santa Ross island is truly our “island in the sun.”

29 January 1972 (PNJ p-21) ———– A substantial cut in federal subsidized flood insurance costs will not immediately affect Santa Rosa island residents because the island has not been approved for the permanent federal program according to John G. Cowley, Santa Rosa Island Authority manager. He says, “The island Authority has gotten an emergency coverage under the flood program. All houses on the island were able to buy flood insurance in 1970 at $0. 40 cents per thousand to a maximum of $17,500 coverage.”

5 May 1972 (PNJ p-25) ———- Work has begun on 3000 acre development by the Royal Palm Beach Colony 14 miles east of Gulf Breeze says B. A. Rittmanic, project manager of the project. He says the projects name will be Holly-by-the Sea. The development will have 1000 feet of Beach frontage, not to be sold, but will also be accessible to East Bay to residents of the development.

5 June 1972 (PNJ p-1) ———— The federal law calls for the state of Florida to donate a portion of the Santa Rosa Island National Seashore as a protective measure says a National Seashore official. The submerged lands would start along the south boundary of the intercoastal waterway and extend one mile off shore into the Gulf of Mexico. The length would run from Fort Pickens to Fort Walton, and included the 14.9 miles of the National seashore. The state of Florida actually holds title to the submerged land up to 10 miles out into the Gulf. The issue is under discussion at the state level.

13 Aug 1972 (PNJ p-47) ———— The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SIRA) reported that 1,003,977 people crossed the toll bridge in 1972 as compared to 990,234 in 1971. The visitors came from ten states; Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky.

17 oct 1973 (PNJ p-28) ———– A report on economic justification for reopening the Navarre Pass says it will cost $8 million. The Navarre Pass was reopened several months ago, but due to the lack of jetties it was closed some three months later. The report indicates that intercoastal water way water for about two miles east and one mile west of the Navarre Bridge suffers from natural pollution and domestic pollution was also detected. The Navarre Pass opening would help eliminate this problem by flushing out the polluted sound water in that area.

4 Nov 1973 (PNJ p-40) Ad- Santa Rosa Park executive homes are available at Bay Cliffs and North Cliffs. There is a 6 bedroom and 5 bedroom contemporary home available, with two baths, a sunken family room. Two patios and a two car garage. Santa Rosa Park subdivision is behind the Naval Live Oaks National park on the bay.

18 Nov 1973 (PNJ p-30) ————- A new steel and concrete pier is being built at Navarre Beach. The 1006 foot long span will add recreational opportunities for more fisherman.

3 April 1974 (PNJ p-9) ————– With Navarre Beach four mile lease, a pending telephone exchange and the Florida Supreme Court decision allowing the inland territory to come under ad valorum tax assessment regardless of the lease policy is moving the community to a brighter future. Construction of the new Holly-Navarre elementary school is on schedule, while 175 students attended Holly school last year, the new school will start with over 400 in kindergarten through sixth grade.

14 April 1974 (PNJ p-1) Holly-Navarre will become a major development with “Holly-by-the-Sea” with the start of construction. W. L. Buther says, “I think that Holly-Navarre will be an up-coming community and a nice city one day, if the Navarre Pass is reopened.” “Pass or no pass is the question?” says Commissioner Rufus Payne told the Chamber of Commerce that growth will require a $17,000 for a deceleration lane on 98 and there are tentative plans for a park to have been approved by the state of Florida for the 4,000 acres being developed by Holley-by-the-Sea with 48 acres of recreational area, bath houses, a 200 foot fishing pier, duck pond and recreation building. “Holley-By-The-Sea” development started kindergarten to 6^th grade classes in the new Holley-Navarre elementary school. Petitions are being circulated by the Chamber of Commerce to keep the old Holley Red Brick Schoolhouse at Holley as a community center building.

16 April 1974 (PNJ p-13) ———— All sewage from the Gulf Breeze peninsula and Santa Rosa Island will be pumped to Pensacola’s main street treatment plant under the West Florida Regional planning Council to meet the 1995 development needs. Once approved the plan will be submitted to the EPA at the state and federal level for funding of $260 million and be a guide for future federal funding of water and sewer construction in the two county region that’s designed to meet 1995 planned development needs. The modification of the alternative plan “F” was presented to the Regional Water Quality Management plan to be submitted to the EPA at the state and federal level and ac as a guide for future funding of water and sewer construction and be a guide for a two county region. Harry Blanchard, Chairman of the Councils Program Committee said the review of alternatives to effluents being pumped into the sound by the EPA and environmental experts was foremost in our decision. He said, “we have spent 90 percent of our time discussing the best method to handle the island and the peninsula’s sewage so that sound waters are protected.” Blanchard also said “They (EPA) also don’t want more effluent to go into the East Bay, so the best alternative will be to bring it all to Pensacola for advanced wastewater treatment.” The council plan map showed six plants ultimately in Escambia/Santa Rosa county region, totaling processing capacity at 45.2 million gallons per day. The original alternative “F” plan called for a regional plant in Navarre with capacity of 4.4 million gallons per day to handle all the sewage from Navarre and Navarre beach and the development along highway 98 from just east of Gulf Breeze. Blanchard said, “We eliminated the plant at Navarre in our recommendation because the proposal was for secondary treatment and upland disposal on the Eglin reservation property. We felt it was too close to the water for spray irrigation at Navarre and there was no way to determine if the Eglin property would be available. There is also a real possibility that the upland disposal of effluent on Eglin property might endanger the pure fresh water aquafer under the reservation and the Santa Rosa peninsula as well. Blanchard told the regional council; the committee had determined that the best long term method for administrating the two county sewer system would be a unitary regional body appointed by local officials. Constriction of the Pensacola main street plant facility was agreed upon to be the first priority be everyone with EPA covering 75 percent of the funds that were already approved and waiting for final adoption of the proposed plan.

18 April 1974 (PNJ p-4) Escambia County and the City of Pensacola are now prepared to proceed with the formation of the Council of Governors (COG) without the participation of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties and cities located in the three county region. The proposed new agency would replace the West Florida Regional Planning Council, the Northwest Florida Health Planning Council and the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice. Escambia County and Pensacola say the current joint meetings with other local government officials has turned into sounding boards for local self-interests instead of regional cooperation. Pensacola and Escambia County say they make up 61 percent of the three county population and have expressed dissatisfaction with the present planning council of which they contribute the majority of funding, but can be out voted by the smaller members. Joe Mahoney, Executive director of the Pensacola/Escambia Intergovernmental office (IPO) Board presented a weighted voting plan for all 16 local governing units in the three countries The sewage treatment facility in Navarre was dropped from the West Florida Reginal Planning Council plan. The new plan calls for six plants totaling 45.2 million gallons per day to meet 1995 needs and it approved the concept of two county sewage systems. The original alternative plan “F” called for a 4.4 million gallon plant near Navarre to provide secondary treatment with upland disposal from Navarre Beach and development along U.S. 98 just east of Gulf Breeze. The alternative “F” plan calls for a $260 million plant to pump all sewage from the Peninsula and Santa Rosa island to the Pensacola Main Street plant. In recommending the elimination of the Navarre plant from the plan, the council program committee cited possible contamination of the sound waters and the fresh water aquafer under Eglin property of upland irrigation that would be used for waste influent disposal. According to federal rules pertaining to planning agencies, Pensacola and Escambia County, can from their own COG because they represent 75 percent of the two county metro Pensacola Area and are allowed to form their own planning g agency. Florida has 10 regional planning areas. Because of the growing power of regional planning area the new COG will be controlling federal grants of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County’s.

23 May 1974 (PNJ p-11) ———– The City of Pensacola and Santa Rosa County Beach Administration (SRBA) and Navarre representatives are expected to oppose some provisions of West Florida Regional Planning Council’s water quality at a public hearing today. A major point of contention will be a provision for pumping sewage from Navarre and Navarre Beach and all points west in south Santa Rosa County across the Bay to the city’s main street plant for treatment. Last week, Pensacola city manager Frank Falson told the Mayor’s Inner-city Task force that a $26 million expansion program will be completed in about three years and it will be able handle Gulf Breeze and all Pensacola Beach sewage adequately. However, the plant would be pressed to handle the service of the expected development east of Gulf Breeze in the Navarre area without additional expansion. In Milton, the appointed Santa Rosa Beach Administration ((SRBA) voted unanimously to oppose the sewage pumping plan of the West Florida Regional Planning Council and would put Navarre Beach in a bad bind. Although, the SRBA acknowledged that the federal government had already approved $260 million for the project if approved which amounted to 75 percent of the total cost of the project. Mr. W. H. Baskerville, the Santa Rosa engineer estimated the cost of the 25 mile pipeline to Pensacola’s Main Street sewage plant, not counting processing fees that the SRBA would have to pay to Pensacola for treating the sewage would be $4 million.

20 Dec 1974 (PNJ p-23) ———— Santa Rosa County Commissioner Robert Smith says the county will immediately proceed into court in its effort to exercise a lease option it has allowing for the purchase of the Navarre Beach area. The Santa Rosa board has instructed the county attorney to file the necessary papers to get court action started after Escambia county returned a $5000 check mailed earlier by Santa Rosa County as the first step to purchase the four mile strip. The lease in part says, “if for the purpose of financing or any other purpose it found reasonably necessary for the lessee Santa Rosa County to acquire a conveyance of all the bright, title and interest of the lessor (Santa Rosa Island Authority) and Escambia County in the demised premises, the lessor agrees to cooperate with the lessee in obtaining such conveyance and congressional and legislative approval therefore, if such approval is required.” The two important requirements for such conveyance being the building of the bridge and the other being the building of the road to Pensacola Beach.

23 Feb 1975 (PNJ p-2) ———— Navarre Beach leaseholders are incensed about the ad valorem taxation issue on their property by Escambia County have banded together and are taking steps to stop the collection of the taxes levied against them over the last 3 years. The group formed the Navarre Beach Leaseholders Association Inc. and quickly moved to pass a resolution protesting their double taxation to the Santa Rosa County Beach Administration. They say that the ad valorum taxes levied by Escambia County in 1972, 1973, and 1974 need to be stopped under an agreement between the two counties in 1957 when Escambia county instructed the Santa Rosa Island Authority to sell an automatically renewable 99 year lease to Santa Rosa County for $100 per year. Santa Rosa County than obtained a state legislature act that prevented taxation of Navarre Beach leaseholders and also established the Santa Rosa Beach administration.

20 July 1975 (PNJ p-55-58) ———– PNJ Special Review entitled “Yesterday’s Decision’s, Today’s Woes”, in part: Ever since the Florida state legislature passed a bill in 1971 requiring that property leased from the government would e subject ad Valorem taxes, West Floridians that were affected by the law have been carrying out a powerful but unsuccessful counter defense. Leaseholders on Holiday Isla and Okaloosa County’s island portion of Santa Rosa Island, on Navarre and on Pensacola Beach, all have fought to obtain a repeal of the law, and when that failed they sought to gain some measure of “tax relief.” It is an enormously complicated problem and any history has to begin with the history of the islands development and the development of the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA). In 1947, the U.S. Department of Interior deeded 18.5 miles of the island, including what is now Pensacola Beach, to Escambia County. It was also in 1947 when Escambia County commissioners agreed to sell the county’s rights to Santa Rosa South of Okaloosa County for $10,000 to Okaloosa County. In the late 1920s before the Pensacola Beach casino was bult, a public bathing area had been opened south of Fort Walton Beach that was led “Camp Walton”, developed by Tom Brooks, who had leased the eastern 8 miles of the island for construction of beach cottages and a casino. At that time the only way to Camp Walton was by boat. After World War II, Okaloosa County gained control of that land. The Okaloosa commissioners decided to emulate Escambia County and set up their own island authority board. As it turned out, Pensacola banks would not give mortgage loans for cottages and insurance companies would not ensure them against hurricanes. The SIRA in order to attach investors offered 99 year leases in accordance with the 1946 congressional law at a cost of $150 to $200 per year. The SIRA was quick to point out that the advantage of the lease system mean leaseholders didn’t have to pay ad Valorum taxes on property improvements. Still, four years later in 1951, only 12 residential cottages were created on the beach. By 1959, only 400 resident cottages had been built and the Villa Sabine development project was a flop.

10 Aug 1975 (PNJ p-61) ———- Viewpoint: Harry G. Howton; President of Navarre Beach Leaseholders Association Inc, said in part. A July 27 editorial in the Pensacola News Journal concerning the inequitable and complex leaseholders ad valorem tax gouge involving lease holders properties at Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach that was in error… The facts are that Escambia County denied voter registration to Navarre Beach residents for 18 years and told applicants to go to Santa Rosa County, which also denied registration. Some facts pertinent to this tax rip-off are as follows: (1) Escambia County has never paid any school funds to Santa Rosa County or Okaloosa County for transportation and the education of the Navarre Beach children… (2) Escambia County has never provided police services to Navarre Beach… (3) Santa Rosa County and the Beach Administration have provided all the normal utility services, built the bridge at Navarre Beach and state road in accordance with the 1956 lease agreement with Escambia county at no cost to Escambia county. (4) Santa Rosa County had entered into a 100 year lease contract with the Santa Rosa island Authority, a state statutory agency of Escambia county, with automatically renewable ad infinitum for Navarre Beach at $100 per year fee. This is a valid contract. (5) At stake in this matter are taxes of about $1.4 million at Pensacola Beach and $500,000 at Navarre Beach. (6) Leaseholders are and were enticed to buy, develop and build- backed by Florida law that assured the buyers of leases had no ad valorum taxes imposed during 99 year lease term- Contrary to much misinformation on this subject, there is no question nor issue by the leaseholders that ad valorem taxes can be imposed on leases executed after Dec 1971, the legal issue is retro oppressive taxing action on long standing leases executed prior to Dec 31 1971 that violates Article 1, section 10 of the U.S, and Florida constitution and the due process of equal protection clauses under the 14^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

16 Oct 1975 (PNJ p-21) ———— A study on reopening the Navarre Pass should realize an additional $690,000 annually from ad valorem taxes from Navarre Beach, while development on the mainland should add another $431,080 initially to Santa Rosa coffers. The study conducted by Capt. Robert Slye (USNR) showed that both Santa rosa and Escambia Counties would reap additional income from sources other than ad valorem taxes, including sales taxes, gas taxes, liquor taxes, etc.

28n Feb 1976 (PNJ p-15) A proposal by Santa Rosa County Commissioner Wayne Godwin to return Navarre Beach and all its bonded indebtedness to Escambia County may not work as planned according to Escambia County attorney Jack Greenhut. Godwin’s recommendation would saddle Escambia County with four bond issues tied to Navarre Beach, which cost $3.5 million. The bridge and three mile stretch of road running west toward were included in Santa Rosa boundaries by an act of state legislature in 1957. Greenhut said it would take another legislative act to transfer the land back to Escambia County. The bridge debt could not automatically be transferred to Escambia county. Following the legislative act to allow local property to be taxed, Santa Rosa Commissioners attempted to purchase the Navarre property for $5,000 contending the lease section was an option. The court decided against Santa Rosa County last month and the decision puts Escambia County in the position of receiving ad valorem taxes for land while not having to spend any money for services. Bonding companies would likely file suit according to county attorneys if the property was returned to the county against the legal owner, Escambia County.

21 Oct 1976 (PNJ p-6) ———– Proponents of the Navarre Beach canal will begin going door to door in a campaign to distribute 25,000 leaflets, outlining the benefits of re-opening the canal. The subject of the debate will go to a straw ballot vote on Nov 2. Voters will be asked “for” or “against” constructing a Navarre canal to be financed by $1.7 million bond at an annual estimated cost of $200,000 annually. E. H. Pullum, a Navarre realtor and chairman of the Navarre Pass Citizens Committee says, “There is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public on this issue. The county commission could obtain funding with a specific understanding that the bonds would not be an indebtedness of the county.” Pullum backs up his claim by citing Section 12 of the bond issue document. Pullum says the profits from the water and sewer facilities of Navarre Beach had been pledged to restore bonds for the pass and one -m half of the lease fees from the Santa Rosa Beach leaseholders would be applied to retire the debt. The U.S. Corps of Engineers would take over the maintenance of the canal once completed.

3 Nov 1976 (PNJ p-12)———– Voters narrowly approved the potential construction of the Navarre canal pass with 6190 votes “for” and 6016 “against” it. Santa Rosa county supervisor of Elections said, 74.24 percent of eligible voters went to the polls to vote.

14 June 1977 (PNJ p-13) ———– The Santa Rosa Island Authority of Escambia County voted 4-1 to rescind a resolution opposing construction of the Navarre canal and has endorsed the project. The land use plans was adopted in the face of vehement opposition from local environmentalist groups. The project has strong support of both beach administrations and the Santa Rosa County Commission, whose members predict that its construction will produce a windfall of economic development on both Navarre Beach and Navarre-Holly area.

23 July 1977 (PNJ p-15) Congressman Bob Sikes said he’s going to expedite the Navarre Canal project and get it accomplished. The Florida DNR spokesman W. T. Carlton said the Department opposed the project because it “would interrupt the natural sand flow and movement and a successful and economic means for the inlet sand by pass is not known of available at this time But we have not closed the door on the project without considering all alternatives available”.

3 Aug 1977 (PNJ p-13) ———- The Holly-Navarre development east of state highway 87 and north of highway 98 has been experiencing problems with low water quality as many wells have reportedly went dry from the recent drought conditions. As recommended by the water management officials the only solution for relief for residents is to tie into the public water works system. Santa Rosa County Civil Defense director, Glenn Mable says it might take a year or more to get help from the state or federal government is received. Mable says, “Our government does not do anything free for us like it does for foreign countries in similar circumstances.”

3 March 1978 (PNJ p-14) ———- Editorial PNJ in part, – It’s the old problem of Escambia County owning the Navarre Beach portion of the island, which is under the long term lease to Santa Rosa County. Navarre receives none of the benefits of the tax money they pay Escambia County. This issue has raised its head again with regard to a proposed 2 percent tourist accommodation tax being levied. Leaseholders desire some tangible evidence that their tax dollars are being spent to their benefit.

12 April 1978 (PNJ p-21) ———– A Citizens Committee calls the Escambia land use plan for Santa Rosa island unacceptable, confusing, meaningless and recommends it be scrapped. The report sent to Marvin Beck, Chairman of the County Commission by Ken Prest, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee said “it doesn’t plan for long term utilization of available resources” and he listed three main issues; First, defining potentials for outstanding leases and options (2) Gathering complete information of the biophysical characteristic of the island and (3) Clearly defining the legal authorities and jurisdictions affecting Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, the University of West Floridia property and the National Gulf Island Seashore.

23 Sept 1978 (PNJ p-26) ————- Developers are pushing to eliminate camp ground facilities on Navarre Beach to change the camp grounds existing land use to allow a multi-family unit development. A presentation for as 200 unit town house were made by Frances Hector, the camp ground manager and lawyer representing the developer. Objections to the proposal came from marine biologist and Charles Liberis; a stockholder and attorney for another company who had proposed a high rise condominium warned that overproduction of multi-family high rise units could create a “ghost town” for developers on the beach. The biologist said additional pressure on the surrounding beach are and the Gulf shore will result with high density buildings.

3 Dec 1978 (PNJ p-39) ———— Navarre Beach Leaseholders Association have taken a stand that a majority of the leaseholders in their community may not be liable for property taxes under a state law exempting leases for less than 99 years. They contend, because the lease Santa Rosa has with the Santa Rosa island Authority in Escambia County is for 99 years from the date of its execution in 1958 but the leaseholders subleases didn’t begin until 10 or 12 years later. The Association claims that the sub-leases executed since 1992 extend only to one term of the master lease. Leaseholders Association President Harry Howton said there has already been a court ruling on the law exempting one leaseholder from taxes who has a lease for less than 99 years. However, language of the sub-leases to Navarre leaseholders states the leases are for 99 years.

2 Feb 1979 (PNJ p-21) ———– Escambia tax collector, Matt Langley Bell asked legislators to support a bill to allow him to put a lien on the property of Santa Rosa County leaseholders who have not paid their tax bill.

14 June 1979 (PNJ p-8) ———— Escambia County Commissioners John E. Frenkel Jr. and Zearl Lancaster said they want to regain full control of Navarre Beach from Santa Rosa County. Escambia County owns the four mile long Navarre Beach property but leased it to Sant rosa County in 1956. During the past 23 years Santa Rosa County has repeatedly tried but failed to take title to the beach property. Frenkel said he is not in favor of any type of joint board of operation. He said, “I favor Escambia County resecuring the property from Santa Rosa County for Escambia County and having it under the jurisdiction of the Santa Rosa Island Authority.”

12 Dec 1979 (PNJ p-24) Charging “double taxation” against Escambia County, Navarre Beach leaseholders sent a delegation to the West Florida legislative delegate meeting to ask for the four miles of beach be added to the Santa Rosa county’s jurisdiction. Ray Perkins, Director of the Navarre Beach Leaseholder Association said, “for 20 years, Escambia County officials hardly recognized Navarre Beach existed until the opportunity arose for grand larceny taxing action of about 1975 took place.”

24 Jan 1980 (PNJ p-24) ———- Navarre Beach residents soon may see a small peace come out of the bureaucratic ramparts that encloses their sandy haven. Officials of Santa Rosa and Escambia counties who often are at war over the Santa Rosa Island area- agreed on a proposal to simplify the building permit process for Navarre Beach. In the past builders were required to get some building permits from Escambia County and others from Santa Rosa County. On other permits, no one is sure where to turn. Under the proposal, Santa Rosa would be the source of all building, electoral and mechanical permits- but Santa Rosa County would have to enforce codes specified Escambia County because Navarre is a legal unit of that county. Navarre was leased to Escambia County on a 99 year lease in 1957. In return, Santa Rosa County would be renumerated for the costs of issuing the permits.

1 Aug 1980 (PNJ p-6) “wholesale lawsuits” have erupted over unpaid property taxes of more than 400 leaseholders of Santa Rosa County and Escambia County tax collector Matt Langley Bell III and the Santa Rosa Island Authority fight over $1.3 million in unpaid property taxes.

11 May 1980 (PNJ p-1) ———– The stakes are high; opinion, in part, Craig Waters: The stakes in a billion dollar ecological battle are now emerging nationally over the barrier islands and lowlands of which West Florida and Alabama tourist industry flourish. The federal government has become unwilling to support development on storm prone islands, including Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach and Gulf Shores. A position paper sponsored by the U.S. Department of Interior proposed that U.S. government discourage economic development on the barrier islands along the Gulf, of which there are 189 of them along the Gulf shore and Eastern U.S. shore, with 68 remaining undeveloped. Currently, a bill in Congress proposes setting up a Barrier Islands National Park. A fight between Santa Rosa County, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and federal EPA found the government to be unwilling to fund development of areas within the 100 year flood plain. The problem arose when two separate waste water plans called 201 and 208 plans projected widely different population growth projections in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The barrier islands are nothing more than shifting spits of sand that are severely affected by hurricanes. Without federal subsidies for insurance, local beaches could become uninsurable and very expensive places to line. The EPA had announced it was unwilling to support infrastructure in these flood prone area for roads, water, sewer, schools and low cost housing, etc. such areas as Holley-Navarre, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Perdido Key and Gulf Shores are left on their own. The Santa Rosa island 208 plan projected the ideal population growth and the Santa Rosa County Navarre Beach 201 plan projected an “ought to be” type number. The upshot of the problem turned out to be the loss of $500,000 in federal dollars to the Holley-Navarre water and sewer project. The EPA said, if you’re in the business of building another Miami or Perdido key, were not in the business of helping you do it.

23 Aug 1980 (PNJ p-18) A former Santa Rosa Island leaseholder has asked that Escambia County tax collector be ruled in contempt of court. The attorney for Mrs. Lilla Davis and the estate of her late husband Willian had filed an appeal in 1978 on the property tax issue. Her attorney said Bell was trying to collect delinquent taxes in violation of Judge William Frye’s court order to stay the tax collection of $7000 until the appeal was decided.

24 March 1981 (PNJ p-6) ———- The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) was recently given legal authority to implement the controversial land use plan recommended by the SRIA after a lengthy court battle and the court ruled in favor of the SRIA. The SRIA now seeks approval from the Escambia County Commission. At issue, the SRIA is seeking to rezone a sound side property near the Fort Pickens gate for a high-rise and mid-rising condominiums. Opponents’ of the project say it will obstruct the view, access to the sound side water and restrict public use. An earlier development for the property in question was approved by the SRIA for an RV park. Circuit Court judge William Frye III ruled in favor of Faddis and Kelter in 1978 saying the land use plan did meet requirements and had been valid at the time of the agreement. The Florida Supreme Court concurred with the courts appeal decision.

26 April 1981 (PNJ p—29-30) ————- Editorial:, in part, Craig Waters; Navarre Pass: A Dream Built in Sand- Here on the eastern edge of Escambia County there lies the grave of a dream that never quite came true, It was the Navarre Pass Canal, built in sand and washed away almost as soon as it was finished. A man made waterway dug 16 years ago that connected the Gulf of Mexico with the Santa Rosa Sound at Navarre Beach. More recently the Santa Rosa County Commission has said they would like to re-dig the old canal which is completely silted over and useless. The commissioners want it because nature neglected to provide an outlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Vacationers at Navarre have no Port for water sports and a fishing industry. Tourists who plan on deep sea fishing have to go to Destin or Pensacola. Land values are not near what they would be it there was a Navarre Pass and Port. Escambia County legally owns Navarre Beach, but in 1956 it decided to sell a 99 year lease on the county’s eastern 4-mile stretch of Santa Rosa Island to Santa Rosa County, which has no beach of its own. The price-$100 a year and Santa Rosa County had to construct a bridge. They began to oversee development when the Florida Legislature established the Santa Rosa Beach Administration to oversee the development of the island. That agency was semi-autonomous and could sublease parcels of land without permission of the Santa Rosa County Commission. This power move put the Beach Administration on a collision course with the legislature and governmental bodies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. By the end of the 1970’s they would attack the administration’s studies for the state and federal government. The issues dragged on and on. Santa Rosa County, meanwhile, passed a decision of obtaining a $1.7 million bond to finance the pass construction. Than a new state agency, the DER (Department of Environmental Regulation) was formed and had authority to grant a new permit for digging the canal. To force the issue the Santa Rosa County Commission placed the Navarre Pass issue of a straw ballot vote in 1976. Voters favored the Pass by about one-thousand votes. By January 1977, the canal had not been yet approved by the state and the finance charges on the bond were running about $150 per day. In the meantime, Escambia County said it wanted the Santa Rosa Island leased portion of property where the canal pass was to be dug back, which technically owned the property, who formally objected to building the canal pass. The argument centered around who owned Navarre Beach and the debate continues to this day. In 1979, the Santa Rosa County Beach Administration was abolished by the Florida legislature and the Santa Rosa County Commission replaced it with the Navarre Beach Advisory Council. Since that time, legal problems have surfaced because developers had purchased leases for speculation and were not developing them. Recently, one leaseholder sued Santa Rosa County because he was required to pay ad valorem taxes to Escambia County on top of his lease payments. County Commission Chairman Millard Adams Jr. said that Santa Rosa County would be unable to pay property taxes and losing the suit would mean “the end of Navarre Beach.” One solution would be to have the legislature give the land formally to Santa rosa County so tax problems could be skirted. But the problem could be also resolved by ending the Santa Rosa lease and letting Escambia County to back full control of the island.

22 Sept 1981 (PNJ p-17)———— An artificial port at Navarre Beach may be in the works if state rep. Tom Patterson D -Pensacola, has anything to do about it. Patterson confirmed he is

considering a bill in the 1982 legislature that would override the veto of the state agencies and allow re-digging the now defunct Navarre Pass. The Navarre Pass canal was dredged 16 years ago just east of the Navarre Bridge. The pass lacked jetties and silted over during a hurricane only months after it was dug. Gulf Breeze environmental, Mae Guice, head of the United Citizens Against Pollution didn’t take a firm stand on the matter. She said, “personally, I feel like it might help the Santa Rosa sound as fa as flushing I out. There is so much filth down there. If it could help the quality of the sound, I would be 100 percent of it”. The Santa Rosa Commission has floated a $1.5 million bond to re-dig the canal with jetties.

28 Jan 1982 (PNJ p-28) Navarre Beach has been approved to form a voluntary firefighting unit to provide fire protection.

24 Sept 1982 (PNJ p- 6) ———— The Santa Rosa County Commission approved a $3.2 million 30 year revenue bond to cover the expansion of the waste water treatment plant at Navarre Beach, despite the protests of some officials. The expansion will add nearly a million gallons a day to the process.

4 Feb 1982 (PNJ p-23) ———- West Florida Civic leaders, including Congressman Bob Sikes asked Gov. Graham for help to blast through a wall of environmental regulations that are blocking the re-digging of the Navarre pass canal. State Senator W. D. Childers told Governor Graham the state needs to reclassify a portion of the Santa Rosa sound as a “Class III” rather than a “Class II” before the canal was dug. Graham took no immediate action on the issue.

17 June 1983 (PNJ p-10) ———-The state Public Service Commission noted in an 8 page report that Holley-Navarre area will need increased services in telephone, water and power and will conduct hearings on the needs in December and January for additional services.

31 Aug 1983 (PNJ n-15) ————- The two newest members appointed to Santa Rosa Island Authority blocked the approval of the SIRA’s $3 million budget and disputed the figures presented by General Manager Jim Sheffer. Sheffer had recommended the board increase the water, sewer and garbage rates to residents of Pensacola Beach. Bert Brown, an accountant raised questions on the figures presented and calculated a $400,000 surplus in the sewer account.

6 Nov 1983 (PNJ p-1) The fastest growing corridors in West Florida are in Midway, Holley-Navarre, and Milton-Pace says Roger Robinson, executive VP of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. As a percentage of the tax base, the US 98 corridor amounts to over 20 percent of the total tax value of Santa Rosa for land and property. Gov. Bob Graham, just last week named two panels of experts to oversee the growth in five west Florida counties- Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay.

7 Nov 1983 (PNJ p-1) ———– According to a study conducted by Ed Ranelli, director of marketing for Baptist Hospital and information from the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic Research in Gainesville, the coastal corridor east of Gulf Breeze and west of Okaloosa County line is taking off in economic growth. According to Ranelli, the trends can justify a 60 bed facility. The development of Tiger Point and Santa Rosa Shores is attracting upper middle class incomes. In addition, Escambia County workers are seeking less urban life styles. Baptist hospital figures for the entire area show a population growth of 83 percent between 1970 and 1980. Eleven years ago, there were only 8 or 10 homes in Villa Venice, today there are over 600.

1 May 1984 (PNJ p-11) ———- The Holley-Navarre Fire District agreed to extend fire protection to Navarre Beach for 90 days in exchange for $4200 that’s provided by Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as an annual supplement after the Holley-Navarre Fire district gave a 30 day notice of termination. Escambia County pays $3000 a year and Santa Rosa budgets $1200 annually for the fire district. Chief Donald VanDerryt told county officials $20,000 was needed for the remainder of the year to keep the services.

28 July 1984 (PNJ p-1) ———– Escambia County and Santa Rosa counties have agreed to cooperate with the Holly-Navarre volunteer fire department to supply personal to beach fires, but Holly-Navarre fire officials have refused to extend their mutual aid agreement to Navarre Beach without more compensation than commissioners agreed upon.

22 Aug 1984 (PJN p-22) ———- Figures released by Santa Rosa county’s building permits office shows 356 building permits were issued in 1982 in Gulf Breeze area along highway 98, one year later they issued 522 permits. In Holley, 31 permits were issued in 1982 and 65 were issued in 1983, Navarre went from 194 in 1982 to 275 in 1983.

30 Sept 1984 (PNJ p-55) ———— Unincorporated Navarre Beach is a four mile strip on Santa Rosa island with a split personality. The water and sewer is run by Santa Rosa County, who also issues building permits, provides ambulance services, picks up litter, but the police protection comes from Escambia County, property taxes are paid to and residents of Navarre Beach vote in Escambia County. Santa Rosa County built the Navarre Bridge and roads, but the children on the island go to school in Escambia County. It’s complicated because Escambia owns Navarre Beach and leases it to Santa Rosa County, who sub-leases lots to residents, condo’s hotels and businesses. If that’s not enough, Santa Rosa County is a dry county, but the Navarre Beach Island Authority administration allows alcohol sales on the island.

29 Sept 1985 (PNJ p-39) ————- On the four mile stretch of sandy Navarre Beach of Santa Rosa Island there are only two hotels with a combined total of 282 units- two more are in the works that will bring the total to 338 units. Construction of a nearby shopping center is scheduled to begin next month. Some developers are racing against time as new state and local set back lines requirements will go into effect soon. In the past year, Navarre Beach has witnessed more construction of total residential units than any previous year. A year ago, there were 1080 residential and hotel units on the island strip. Now there are 1355, a 25 percent increase. Chairman of the Navarre Beach Administration, Jim Harris, who is a Pensacola restaurateur and resident of Gulf Breeze says it has taken four years to get fire protection on the island. According to Harris, the Escambia County Commission estimated that the buildout of Navarre Beach would be about 4000 units. This is triple of what we have today, he says. Harris’s Beach Administration Board of Navarre Beach has given a conceptual approval to a number of projects. Among them are: (1) The Emerald Place Hotel, a 128 unit, 20 story Gulf-side hotel; (2) a 200 unit Soundside hotel, with a 50-slip marina; (3) up to a 400 unit condominium at a redeveloped Navarre Beach motel site;(4) Le Mirage, a 250 unit canal access townhouse project on the sound side and (5) a dockside village, with 50,000 sq feet of specialty shopping village that will start construction in November and cost $4 million. He says that a new 10 year land-use plan and if we had a Navarre pass we could be much nicer than Destin, he says.

22 Dec 1985 (PNJ p-25) ———— Today, the 42-mile barrier Island is the heart of big business interests and it’s a site for major investments in High-rise’ hotels and condo’s, family residential units and small businesses. Two things have happened here to change the course direction; First, the National Seashore Park moved into town and the tax free property holiday is over. The question facing the Island Authorities today is one of redevelopment. How and when it happens today is extremely important says Jim Sheffer, General Manager of the Pensacola Beach Island Authority.

“For We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood, But Against Principalities, Against Powers, Against Rulers of Darkness of this World, Against Spiritual Wickedness in High Places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Remember that All Homo Sapiens Betray the Truth by Their Actions!

Michael Bennett (bennett6520@yahoo.com)